5yr old refusing to swallow certain foods

[Collienova]

I'm at my wits ends with my DD and I'm getting concerned. She started a few days ago to chew her food for ages, but then says she cannot swallow it and spits it out. She says she's worried about choking, but there has been nothing that could've triggered that. My DH and I disagree slightly on how to approach it: he thinks because she's happy to eat sweet things like ice cream and jelly, she's just making this up and he wants to impose sanctions until she eats properly again. But basically we're both at a loss. There have been some changes in her life recently: DS was born a month ago, but she adores him, she finished her reception year and she recently stopped wearing pull ups at night, but she is doing well with that and no accidents. Has anyone experienced anything like that or has any ideas on what to try?

I had the exact same phase when I was 5 OP. I wasn't scared of swallowing crisps or biscuits but I was convinced I would choke on everything else.It was very real to me at the time, but drove my poor mum up the wall with frustration.I had just joined a new school, so most likely it was just an anxiety thing.I wouldn't make too much of a fuss if I were you, she may well just get more anxious and you don't want to turn it into a battle.

If your still worried though, maybe get a GP appt to check there's no physical reason.