Why I write about Picky Eaters #kids #pickyeaters

This is my picky eater, my oldest child, Benjamin. It started early, but we just didn’t know it. We now he has low muscle tone, some sensory issues and was diagnosed with ADHD in June of 2011. But you wouldn’t know a thing by looking at him.

Born early by 10 days or so (they kept making my due date later and later — it started off as September 28, then they moved it to October 7, then 8th, then 9th), he showed up.. on September 28, ironically. I was totally unprepared (um… due date wasn’t for 10 more days), but he came anyway. (Read More After the jump).

Breastfeeding was difficult for us. I took it so personally and got so upset. My mother, was very supportive and tried to help, as did my husband and mother in law. I spoke to the lactation consultants in the hospital. I borrowed a breast pump (which finally did get things going), but it was still extremely difficult and Ben had a poor latch. What I should have done was to see a lactation consultant (but by the time I realized we really had a problem), it was too late. And I regretted it often. The whole story is on Bravado’s Breastfeeding Diaries – click here to read.

But he’s changing and eating more and more. The Low Muscle tone explained a lot (which is why he struggled with nursing, swallowing, and when he started solid foods, he would often choke). It used to be our normal to have him gag and me to pull him out of his high chair to pound on his back to clear his throat. He used to detest foods with certain textures (I now know this was sensory related).

We went through phases where all he would eat was Macaroni and cheese and baby oatmeal with milk. Jessica Seinfeld’s Deceptively Delicious and The Sneaky Chef were life changers, as I now snuck pureed veggies into his food. I started serving Green Smoothies.

Then, it got easier when he added some foods at 4 and then 5. Now, at 6 1/2, he’s still picky, but it’s better. He tries things. He just won’t eat meat. One of the reasons I talk about Picky Eaters is because I know how tough it can be. Your kid won’t eat anything and you’re freaking out.

I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice, but if your child is being very picky — consider talking to your doctor. Ben’s pickiness had something to do with his low muscle tone and sensory issues. My middle child will sometimes skip a meal, but she makes it up the next day. But my youngest (now 21 months) is also picky and doesn’t seem to have either of those things. And also, don’t forget to breathe. I found when my husband and I didn’t make a big deal about Ben finishing a meal, and offered a protein shake instead, we were all calmer.