my four year old does not eat.

I really need advice on what to do. My four year old little boy simply does not eat. It is not any weird thing like he doesn't like to swallow or anything like that, he just does not eat. He loves junk and would eat it continuously if I let him. I have been with holding any junk for about a week and only allowing him to drink chocolate milk. He therefore honestly has not ate ANY food in days. Nothing and if I fix things he likes (corndogs) he still won't eat. This has pretty much been going on his whole life (he did not even like the bottle), but know I am more worried than ever because he will not even eat the things he used to eat. I do not know what to do!!!! I have even thought about taking him to counseling. I am hoping when he starts 4k this year and sees the other kids eat, maybe that will encourage him to eat. any advice would be appreciated.

But if you have a kid that eats anything..... well your advice really want help.

 

At this point, if it were me, I would set up an appointment with the pedi. I would be very nervous if mine weren't eating for days on end. :hug:

 

Truly, he hasn't eaten anything? Consumed no calories?
It sounds like he's not eating what you have prepared/want him to eat vs not eating at all. Does he graze through the day? Handful of raisins. Bites on an apple. 1/2 bowl of cereal.

I would start keeping a food diary. Write down everything single thing he consumes. Your ped will probably want that kind of information. And after doing it you may find he's eating more than you realize. I know that when I started a weight loss program, my food diary embarrassed me because I was eating alot more than I realized.

 

Yes, the question is like pp said...is he truly not eating anything at all? As in no snacks, grazing, anything? Because if that's the case, I, too, would take him to the doctor. That would concern me, too :hug:

 

If he is drinking chocolate milk, then he's getting some calories. But, what I'd do instead is make him a smoothie -- blend some frozen strawberries and blueberries, yogurt, whey protein powder (GNC has an all-natural kind) with whole milk, and put some Nesquik in there if you have to.

If he'll drink that, then he's at least getting some nutrition. Then, I'd make an appt with the pediatrician -- I know a friend's son had some ailment where he had zero appetite, and had to take meds for it.

No clue whether it's just behavioral or medical with your kiddo -- I hope you get it figured out soon!

Also, Ellyn Satter has a handful of books about children and eating that are very, very helpful.

 

No really not eating. Maybe a piece of toast if I MAKE him! Thats it. anything he eats is a struggle.

 

thanks I am going to look up the books. any idea of what type of illness it was?

 

Like pp's have said, I'd chat to the pediatrician about it because he'll be able to tell you whether or not to be concerned. And also keeping a food diary is a good idea. And I've come across several recommendations to that author. Is your son thin? Is he losing weight? If not then somewhere he's getting enough calories even if they're not such healthy ones.

Also, maybe be careful of not making this into a battleground - otherwise not eating will give him a great sense of power and it could become an 'issue' between you.

 

Lots of hugs to you! As you know, I'm struggling with something similar right now. I've been terrified of making food a battle ground, but have ended up in the same situation anyway. I have no idea what the answer is, but if you talk to your pediatrician and get some good advice, please shoot it my way!!!