Eating
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We recently saw a nutritionist because of the lack of eating. She said Meals at the same time everyday. Only offer meals for 30-45 mins then take away. Snacks 2hr after meal, 2hr before next meal. Only offer for 15-20 mins For each meal, colour, always have a safe food you know they will eat, 1 protein, 1 grain and 2 fruit/veggie. Don't overwhelm the plate. Snack 1 fruit/veggie, 1 grain, 1 protein (like cheese). Always have water available. Don't serve juice or milk between meals as they can fill up on it. All meals should be sit down family time (to model eating behaviour). Snacks can be at their play table
She also said to not worry about how much they are eating at night since they are probably tired. Don't force, don't bribe, don't compare. Let them tell you when they are finished. Don't offer something that isn't on the table. Snacks like granola bars you can have them choose which flavour (ie strawberry or apple) Let them feel like they have some control. For example last night my son refused to eat himself, he wanted my husband to feed him, but he wouldn't eat what my husband would put on the fork. We had our son point to what he wanted on the fork and picked that up. He ended up eating his entire slice of Lasagne eggplant, mushrooms and all (minus one bell pepper)
I know it doesn’t sound very nice approach but my son was the same, I put now cartoon and it helped. I want him to get vitamins and nutrients so he can function, so please don’t judge 🙏
He might eat it if he’s hungry enough? We offer a meal followed by a fruit (lunch & dinner) if they don’t eat that there’s nothing else. If it’s not dangerous (from a food safety pov) if they really don’t eat much we pop it in the fridge. Then if they whinge a bit later they’re given it back. He’s not perfect but eats a huge range of food, prawns, venison, fish, sausage, asparagus, peppers, chilli chicken, duck sushi etc…