sawbuck44

I have two boys who were totally different in their eating habits. When my oldest was your daughter's age and did not eat his food, he would be sent to his room. After crying and then having a calm talk, he would come down and eat. This happened just a few times and then he was fine. My youngest son at that age like a lot more than my older son, BUT his trouble was the length of time at the dinner table. He sat there a good half hour after everyone else was done. It took him years to get any faster.

I have a sister who's daughter now 13 never ate a big variety of things. My sister had to always bring a bag of plain pasta with her whenever they went somewhere to eat whether it be family or restaurant. Her husband is a chef - imagine his frustration when he makes a gourmet dish and his daughters (an older sister too) won't eat it!

You have to be firm but don't be a nag so your daughter gets so upset she can't eat. (Nag meaning, 'come on just try it') Stick to the 'no food after dinner' too. She has to be hungry enough to want to eat. If it's a new food, give a small portion and tell her she MUST finish it and let her know that she is not getting as much as everyone else.

Don't give up. I have a few friends that are picky to this day. They say 'picky' like it's a badge of honor. It just means you are not adventurous! Doctors used to tell me, ' oh, they'll get what they need.' Ya know, that's not the point. There's no reason why they can't eat the food that is served in your home. You have to tell her that the food you give her is not only good for you, but it is GOOD!

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