I have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old. My 4-year-old eats very well but my 2-year-old won't eat anything but maybe chips and crackers. He used to eat spagetti like it was going out of style, but now he won't even eat that. He is like this at home and away from home. No meat and no veggies. I have talked to my pediatrician and she says that he will eat when he is hungry and not to force the issue. So, as of now I put food in front of him and if he will eat it then fine, if he doesn't then he goes to bed without anything at all. I refuse to give him crackers or anything else if he refuses to eat dinner. I just now got him used to eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.....which happens sometimes and doesn't others. He is small for his age and I found out from my mother-in-law that my husband was just like that when he was little and now he eats just about everything.

I don't know if i am posting this in the right place but i need help with my 5 year old who wont eat. He weighs only 28-29 pounds. He goes to Pre K and i pack his lunch (what ever he wants) and everyday he brings it all back home. He eat very little at breakfast, and when its dinner time it is a huge battle. He takes a really long time 3-5 hours sometimes to eat by himself. If i feed him he will eat a lot more, but i am trying to break him away from that because i think it could be a reason why he wont eat at school. He does take Enbrel and a metatrexate because he has Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Enbrel weakens his immune system, so that's why i feel it is more important for him to eat. He has had an ear infection and cold for about a month now and i think he cant fight it because he is weak from not eating and the medications. I dont know what to do, can anyone help me please?

Well what if it's NOT a power struggle. In the article the author asks all of these questions like if the behavior continues outside of the home (yes), does he refuse food offered by others (yes) is he a healthy weight and height (no). It's NOT a power struggle. He WON'T eat!! I have been to a GI doctor and an immunologist and I just seem to be getting nowhere. All he ever wants is chocolate milk. The GI doctor tested for celiac which was positive and then made me go see a nutritionist, and they said the most idiotic stuff like, "Sneak fats into his food by putting peanut butter onto his crackers and whipped cream into yogurt." I CAN'T GET HIM TO EAT CRACKERS AND YOGURT!!! I wanted to kick her in the teeth.

By the way. In the original question, the asker asks, "should I give in and give my son junk food carrots?" WHAT THE....?!!

I'm in the same boat as Daryl512. My 14-month old DD does not want any dairy, meat, veg, or fruit. Nibbles at grains and likes some juice, mostly wants only breastmilk. Had spurts of loving strawberries, beans, broccoli. Used to be OK with baby cereal and sometimes yogurt. No more. Her molars are coming in but this is only one of many millions of reasons that I come up with for no appetite. Iron levels are good.

I'm thinking my attempts at weaning to formula at 6 months and then again at 9 months may have started an issue with her, it didn't go well and she's hardly gained since. She's almost weaned herself twice, didn't have much interest at the breast and picked up a bit on solids but now we're back to a "solids strike". If anyone else has gone through this would be great to hear the outcome of how you got through it.

Pediatrician and doctors are not concerned.

basically my problem is my 20month old daughter is funny when it comes 2 food she does like 2 eat but she doesnt like breakfasts she wont eat off her own plate n she only weighs 9.75kg which is really underweight 4 her size and age she is also really active and because of her weight social services have gotten involved i really need some help can anyone help me???

To all of you whose children won't eat, some of your children may have sensory integration problems related to taste/touch. This means they are hypersensitive to the sensation of certain foods in their mouths. They may gag or spit up or be unable to swallow. Some may avoid some or all foods. Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition that prevents the brain from adequately processing sensory information. Food in the mouth may be an unbearable feeling to them and completely real (not motivated by attention seeking and or a struggle for power). Google the terms Sensory Integration. On the checklist look for "oral defensiveness". It may help some of you understand why your kids cannot tolerate food. Occupational Therapists can REALLY help your children if they have this problem, based on deep scientific study. Treatment is a long term process but shows very good results. Good Luck!

I feel for daryl512 and debbie, we too are at our lowest trying to figure out why our son literally gags at food. he eats nearly nothing, for days, months, and we are spiking his milk with crushed vitamin pills just to give energy. He can't stand to see food spilt on the table and all but throws up if his baby sister has food on her face. We have written it off in the past as being "a bit special" but feel it has gone on too long and we are worried about his health. He also displays "special" (i said it again) qualities such as being very clever, and sensory defensiveness. I have never heard of such a picky eater before, such that only another parent living through this could understand.

I have a 30 month old daughter and she is the same way. She keeps food in her mouth forever and is never hungry. Her weight is normal but it's not far from underweight. I dont know what to do and if anybody has some advice I really could use it!!!!!

i have a 3 and a half year old son and for the past 8 months hes not eaten anything, he will take a bite thaen slit it back out, i have tryed 2 offer crips when im eating them but he always says he doesnt like it when i no he does. he always says hes hugrey when there food on the table but he just wont eat it. i have been to the gp and they sent me to hospital and they did his weight they said it was fine but way is it when i look at him i think hes loosing weight!! am i the only person that sees that my child is unwell? its like a battlefield and meal times, we all eat at the table at the same time aand we used to get the same untill i started asking him what he wants and he always asks for chips, beans and cornbeef and when i make it and give it to him he never eats it, he might eat a chip or 2 but thats it! plaese can someone help me, there is time i wish i could just open his month and make him eat it, but i know i cant. HELP!!!

My son is 6 years old now and still won't eat. He only wants french fries,milk,juice,chips,rice krispy treats, celery,apples and corn on the cob. Cant get him to eat breads, rice, or meats. He just gagges on it. Even some smells of food he can't stand.I have tried everything from takeing his things from him,bribery,and forced him to eat. Me and his dad were picky eaters till age4.Doctors say he's just a picky eaters and dont see a problem. He is normal weight and height( wt 55, ht 3'8)and is active. He's skinny. Wont take vitamins or drink kids ensure.He some times will go all day @ school with out eating and brings lunch. He has been doin this since about 2yrs old. He used to eat crackers, cookies,even tacos. Some times I it just breaks my heart for everybody sittin down eating and I know he's hungry but he wont eat. I just will wish somebody can help everyone going though this with there kids.