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Original poster

18yo DS2 doesn't eat.

17 replies

GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 18:30

I mean, obviously he's eating something, he's not wasting away. That will be the constant supply of crisps and choc bars he buys for himself, probably chips at lunchtime, but at dinner he eats nothing. No matter what I cook, he's not hungry and basically sits at the table almost just long enough to be polite and then escapes back to his PC.

There's only me and him for most evening meals as DS1 works shifts.

So, would you stop cooking for him and just let him see to himself or do I keep trying to get him to eat some real food?

He really was brought up on a balanced diet, I don't know what's gone wrong.

OP posts:
Tickledtrout · 23/09/2021 18:43

I don't know about the nutrition side but for his mental health, if he's willing to come to the table, even briefly, then don't stop. Smile, chat, whatever. He knows you love him. A fine golden thread.

InnPain · 23/09/2021 18:47

Have you asked him why? Is he filling himself up on junk or does he not like whats made at home? If he has suggestions for home cooked meals then ask him to tell you.

Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 18:48

@Tickledtrout

I don't know about the nutrition side but for his mental health, if he's willing to come to the table, even briefly, then don't stop. Smile, chat, whatever. He knows you love him. A fine golden thread.
Yes, this is why I'm still going through the daily ordeal doing it. He does come to the table, but he doesn't chat and is just desperate to get away.

I'm quite worried about him on a number of fronts, not just food, but he seems happy enough when he's chatting to others through the PC, full of laughter and smart remarks and he's just had a big pay rise at work so I assume that's going OK too.

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Pinkbonbon · 23/09/2021 18:51

How is his weight?

Are you sure he eats during the day?
Does he over exercise or go straight to the bathroomm after eating?

Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 18:51

@InnPain

Have you asked him why? Is he filling himself up on junk or does he not like whats made at home? If he has suggestions for home cooked meals then ask him to tell you.
He's never really enjoyed food, but did have a reasonable diet while I had control of the shopping. He doesn't see any food as a treat the way I do. He eats when he's hungry and not when he isn't (which is good) but yes, he is filling up on junk.

I've repeatedly asked what I can cook that he'd prefer. "Dunno".

OP posts:
Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 18:54

@Pinkbonbon

How is his weight?

Are you sure he eats during the day?
Does he over exercise or go straight to the bathroomm after eating?

He's a normal weight. Almost six foot and 28 in waist trousers so typical skinny teenager, but not unhealthy so. He cycles to work but no other exercise at all. He does often excuse himself from the table to go to the loo, but I don't think that's any more sinister than wanting to escape.
OP posts:
fruitpastille · 23/09/2021 18:59

Would he eat with you if you got takeaway? Chips/pizza whatever he likes? Not saying you should give up on homemade but you could see if he stays at the table longer.

Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 19:12

@fruitpastille

Would he eat with you if you got takeaway? Chips/pizza whatever he likes? Not saying you should give up on homemade but you could see if he stays at the table longer.
Yes, if we order curry he does eat a good meal, but there's only so often you can do that.
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Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 19:12

Cooking curry doesn't have the same effect though Confused

OP posts:
00100001 · 23/09/2021 19:14

Dies he do anything apart form sit on his PC of an evening?

He probably is eating at work and not working up much of an appetite.

Leave him to it. Ask him if he wants meals cooked or not.

Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 19:18

@00100001

Dies he do anything apart form sit on his PC of an evening?

He probably is eating at work and not working up much of an appetite.

Leave him to it. Ask him if he wants meals cooked or not.

No. He's quite lively on there and does lots of different things but doesn't leave the chair.
OP posts:
toolazytothinkofausername · 23/09/2021 19:19

In the short term, try and persuade him to take a daily multivitamin tablet or chewy.

www.boots.com/centrum-multigummies-mixed-fruit-60s-10240012

Iwasonlytryingtohelp · 23/09/2021 19:20

Why not ask him to cook one or two nights a week? Might get him to focus on a proper meal.

Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 19:22

@Iwasonlytryingtohelp

Why not ask him to cook one or two nights a week? Might get him to focus on a proper meal.
Yes I've tried that. He's never hungry on the alloted night and will do it "tomorrow".
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Original poster
GreatPotato · 23/09/2021 19:24

He does eat an apple or raw carrot if I treat him like a toddler and leave a chopped up one next to his hand while he's gaming Grin

OP posts:
00100001 · 24/09/2021 21:07

Sounds like he's just not hungry :/

If all he's doing is sitting down of an evening, he won't get very hungry.

00100001 · 24/09/2021 21:08

What's the consequence for him not contributing to the household?

He should take his turn to cook, whether he's eating it or not.

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