How to survive fussy 4 year old?

[MrsIsland]

My 4 year old has suddenly decided to become a very awkward eater. He won't eat any meat, pulses or beans (so I'm worried about protein). He will only eat eggs (in some forms in some meals), cheese and a cup of milk at breakfast. Otherwise he will eat veg - but only broccoli, sweetcorn
or raw carrots, most fruit and most carbs but not potatoes or sandwiches. He's honestly driving me mad. He used to eat anything but about 3 months ago just stopped after being ill. I thought it was just a phase but now I'm wondering how long this can last for.

I would try to remove all elements of stress and control from mealtimes.

We serve dinner as normal and don't comment on what he is (or usually isn't) eating. So last night we had Lentil Dahl with rice and naan bread on the side. He ate the bread and a spoonful or two of the rice. For dessert I gave him sliced apple with peanut butter to dip into which he ate. I'm mostly worried about his health.

Children that age are amazing in their ability to restrict what they eat and remain healthy.

Maybe add in a multivitamin?

And just keep offering the variety of foods you always have and eventually he'll eat more.

There are ways to boost the protein content of meals without substantially changing them, like adding the peanut butter to the apple.

As ever, if you're worried, co tact your health visitor. Its what they're for.

I remember at that age my Ds went through a phase of eating baked beans and little else. I was worried he would turn orange! He grew out of it!

I wouldn't worry too much. The things he will eat sound quite healthy. Keep offering cheese and peanut butter as snacks, and make sure there's a veg and something he will eat with every meal. Milk is a great form of nutrition if you're worried so make sure he gets plenty.

Make sure something he likes is available at every meal and beyond that keep doing what your doing. Don’t turn it into a battle of wills as he will win!

I recommend them all the time, but look at Solid Starts! (American but doesn't matter so much)

The main lady has a VERY picky 5 year old and she has tips and tricks to try and prevent AND reverse picky eating, whether it's just a case of going through a stage or actual long term picky eating.

They also have doctors and allergists and feeding therapists on the team and are just overall amazing people 😂

They really have helped me in terms of preventing and starting solids, but so many people have said how much their picky eaters have improved by following them! Worth a try if nothing 😊

https://instagram.com/solidstarts?utmmedium=copyy_link

solidstarts.com/?s=Picky+eating&swpmfe=0e0276024828fb343f2c804613c77689