picky eating and clothes picking

[54321]

Hi all-

Just wondering if there is a better forum for this or if it is under the umbrella of behavior some techniques found here could help with.

My daughter is both of the above. Right now I am trying to focus on the 1st because when she doesn't eat well...obviously I have more negative behavior issues. Also trouble with bedtime.

She eats a limited menu (lol) and also eats very little at mealtimes and then talks about being hungry and thirsty within a half hour.

I never wanted to be one to "force" a clean plate. I feel like children will eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full...but..this is becoming a pattern that may need some addressing.

If you have a picky eater: how did you open them up to new stuff
Or- did you just eat the same three food items for a while until they grew out of that.


Thanks for any ideas!!

Lisa

[NiteNicole]

How old is she? This might get a lot of response in her age group.

[54321]

she is 6. Thanks!! I'll try over there.

Lisa

[BellinghamCrunchie]

You might check out this thread: http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1123748

It might be a sensory issue. Many children are picky eaters because the texture, taste, temperature, position on the plate, etc really bothers them. Its not a behavior problem, its very real discomfort. The best thing to do is try to figure out what textures, tastes, smells, etc that she is okay with, and find foods in those groups that meet her health needs. Some children are also sensitive to smells or the amount of food presented (too much at once is overwhelming) or if the different foods are touching.

About the clothes, did you mean she is picky about her clothing or that she "picks" at it (like a nervous habit)? If she is picky about her clothing, that, along with the food issues, really points to a highly sensitive child who has more intense reactions to the feel, smell, taste, and sound of things. In my opinion, having been one of those children myself, its best to try to honor her preferences. She really can't help the way she feels things. Usually as her sensory system matures she will develop tolerances without any intervention.

[54321]

I meant picky about what she wears- as soon as we settle on skirts and I load up on them, then she wants to wear pants, so I look for the style, then she likes shorts, so then I get a batch of those, then it is dresses with a certain sleeve- I can't seem to get into a groove with a morning routine. I am willing to put 5 outfits in the closet that she likes and feels comfortable in but as soon as I think I've figured out what she will wear- that garment is not longer on the list and she has changed to liking something else.

She is particular about sleeves and waistbands which, I too, can totally identify with. My goal as school starts is to have a closet with only clothes that have "passes the test" so mornings run smoothly and we don't have to be in such a rush.

I will check out the link-

Thanks!!