How to Feed a Toddler
So I have recently moved over to a new stage in parenthood–that of trying to reason with a toddler. Activities that were once simple, like changing a diaper or giving a bath, have become feats that are worthy of a Purple Heart. Now that he has learned to exert some independence, my once compliant and pleasant baby is now a strong-willed kidlet whose favorite word is “NO!!!” (or actually, it’s more like, “Naaah!”)
My biggest challenge in the past couple of weeks has been getting him to eat. He just isn’t into food. Yesterday for lunch I made him a grilled cheese sandwich that he promptly chewed into a mushy clump and then spit out into the seat of his highchair. So then I tried chicken noodle soup. More noodles ended up in his lap and on the tile floor than in his mouth. So then I tried chunks of pears from a fruit cup (something that he looooved a few days ago). Nope. Those suckers wound up lying next to the noodles. In a last ditch effort, I offered him his absolute favorite–Dora the Explorer Yoplait Yogurt. He wasn’t having it. After 3 bites he shoved my hand away and started violently shaking his head “no”. It was at that point that I gave up and let him go on his merry way.
The fact that he has eaten little more than a few goldfish crackers and a couple of animal cookies in the last week is starting to worry me. I already have an extremely lean child (95th percentile for height, but only 25th for weight). I feel like I’m raising an Olsen twin. And having a mother who calls me five times a day to ask, “Is he eating today?” in her annoying, “You aren’t doing a good job” tone makes the whole situation even worse.
I’m at a loss of how to make this child eat. Perhaps someone should market at-home-IV’s for parents of toddlers; one for the child that contains essential nutrients and another for the parent containing whiskey and a light valium. If anyone has any suggestions on where I can order such a product, please send me a link ASAP. TIA!
January 5th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I totally relate to this. Addie went through this stage and I felt like I was going to lose my mind. It got better eventually but not until after I got lectured at her 15 month appt. that she wasn’t gaining enough weight.
I hope he gets over it soon!
January 5th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I can send my MIL over to give you some advice if you’d like. At very least she’ll give your mom a well-needed break from being all-knowing and condescending.
She’ll probably bring a bottle of wine (for herself) and some baked beans (for Ryan).