My 7 Year Old Only Wants Junk Food

Updated on March 24, 2008
T.V. asks from Algonquin, IL
4 answers

I have a 7 year old that only wants junk food when he is with me. He is with his father a good bit and when I have him he is so picky. His father is very picky eater also. my son only wants pb&J or chicken nuggets. I ask his father what he is feeding him and he says that he eats well at this house. Which I try to believe him but why does my son have this behavior at my house? Is it because I am lienent with him? I fight with him to get him to eat nutritious foods when he is with me. Should I offer him some type of special treat or reward if he eats what I cook? Any suggestions?

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S.V.

answers from Chicago on

We have always lived by the standard in our house that you eat what is given to you or you don't eat. There are times where someone chooses not to eat, but if you constantly give them choices about what they eat they will always dictate the menu and you are the authority, not them. If he is hungry enough he will eat. We have 4 healthy boys (6,5,3 and 15 mo) that we hold the expectation to and everyone is alive and well fed. It may be hard at first since he is older, but it is well worth training him in this expectation. I have a feeling you are right about what is happening at his fathers house, he is probably eating well because dad maybe gives him choices about everything. Hope this helps :)

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S.A.

answers from Chicago on

Fix what you will and tell him that he will eat what you cook or he goes hungry. Don't give in. That's what my mom did with me and my brothers and that's what I do with mine.

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K.K.

answers from Chicago on

We only have healthy choices for breakfast and lunch. Always fruit and veggies. Not junk cereal. I do let them pick what they eat for those meals. As for dinner...mommy and daddy's choice. Always veggies and fruit on the plate too. Our rule is if you do not eat health no desert after dinner. They do not get any junk food throughout the day. So...after dinner is when they get their treat. May be 5 M&Ms, fresh fruit, jello, ect...

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I.C.

answers from Chicago on

You shouldn't have to reward him for eating. If you say that you're lienent, then the changes have to be made within yourself. You are the mother and you must stand by what you say to him and mean it. He needs reminders that you're the boss, and don't forget to remind yourself of that too.

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