5 YO Son Refusing & Hiding Food

[Autumn M]

Hello World!

I am brand new to Mothering! I had it all under control until recently. JKJKJKKJK.

My 5yo son is:

1. Saying he is hungry, then refusing to eat the food he is given.

2. Hiding food after he is encouraged to eat.

Each mealtime is becoming more and more tense for our family. I am not looking for a quick resolution, but a wise reco to implement long-term. I don't have the most wonderful relationship with food , so my son's refusing to eat/hiding food is really setting off all my alarms. I am quickly becoming a militant mealtime mama and that's not cool.

Thank you for reading!

I look forward to receiving your much appreciated advice,

Autumn M

[philomom]

More vigorous play. My "picky" eater would eat anything on her plate after an hour and half at the park.

Less snacking available between meals. Maybe he's not hungry at your meal times because he's too well snacked.

That should help.

Oh, and don't take this the wrong way ....but you should seek some help to have a more happy approach to the food/fuel our body needs daily to do its work. You don't want your kids picking up any bad habits/ideas.. etc.

[meemee]

let me ask you a few questions to clarify before i say anything. 

1. has he always been picky about food or is this a new thing?

2. what is your philosophy around eating? does he have to eat what's before him? 

3. do you have him in mind when you decide what to serve for dinner? that is, is there one thing on the table that you know he will like.

4. is he getting mr super independent lately

5. do you notice if he reacts to certain flavors of food - like bitter, or sour?

and 

[Autumn M]

Originally Posted by meemee 

Hi, meemee! I answered in bold purple.

let me ask you a few questions to clarify before i say anything. 

1. has he always been picky about food or is this a new thing? This is a new thing that started when he started Kindergarten in Sept.

2. what is your philosophy around eating? does he have to eat what's before him? Well, yes, because we are trying to teach him that we cannot waste food.

3. do you have him in mind when you decide what to serve for dinner? that is, is there one thing on the table that you know he will like. Oh, yes! We even cook separate portions for my son without as many spices as my fiance and I like.

4. is he getting mr super independent lately Yes. He is also extremely sensitive to any sort of criticism (i.e. If I say, "Oops, you're pants on are on inside out...")

5. do you notice if he reacts to certain flavors of food - like bitter, or sour? I haven't noticed any consistency in his preferences, unfortunately.

and 

THANK YOU-

Autumn M

[Autumn M]

Thank you for responding! I really appreciate your advice. Autumn M.