Gag Girl

[MissAnn]

Yes, I have a gag girl.

For the most part I serve food and if they eat fine, if not, fine. This girl's mom asks me every day what and how much she eats. She is new here. She came from a center and parents had to bring food. Every day she asks for chicken nuggets. I serve only healthy food. So, I tried the "take one bite" tactic which caused her to gag. I know it's a show.

Just wondering, what do you do? Serve and not make a big deal if they eat or choose not to eat....or 1 (or 2) bites of each food? Thanks for suggestions.

[ihop]

Serve and not make a big deal if they eat or choose not to eat

This

Any time I make a big deal about it tends to just upset me and them so they end up not eating anyway

[Blackcat31]

I serve.

They eat (or not...their choice)

No alternate foods, no substitutions, no begging, pleading or rewarding.

Eat if you are hungry. Don't if you are holding out.

I do NOT stress about meals. It is NOT worth MY time to do so.

Parents have a HUGE influence on their child's eating habits so I try to stay as far out of that loop as possible.

I give educational articles and resources to parents about healthy eating and eating habits but that is the extent of it.

I serve. They eat. (or not).

[MissAnn]

This

Any time I make a big deal about it tends to just upset me and them so they end up not eating anyway

Thank you....this is what I do but sometimes wonder. It does make a more pleasant armosphere and many times the kids will start trying more things as they see other kids eating.

[MissAnn]

I serve.

They eat (or not...their choice)

No alternate foods, no substitutions, no begging, pleading or rewarding.

Eat if you are hungry. Don't if you are holding out.

I do NOT stress about meals. It is NOT worth MY time to do so.

Parents have a HUGE influence on their child's eating habits so I try to stay as far out of that loop as possible.

I give educational articles and resources to parents about healthy eating and eating habits but that is the extent of it.

I serve. They eat. (or not).

Thank you Blackcat. I will talk to the mom about this tonight and do as I was doing......the kids will make their own choice.

[melilley]

I serve.

They eat (or not...their choice)

No alternate foods, no substitutions, no begging, pleading or rewarding.

Eat if you are hungry. Don't if you are holding out.

I do NOT stress about meals. It is NOT worth MY time to do so.

Parents have a HUGE influence on their child's eating habits so I try to stay as far out of that loop as possible.

I give educational articles and resources to parents about healthy eating and eating habits but that is the extent of it.

I serve. They eat. (or not).

Same here, except I never have given any articles to parents about healthy eating/habits.

[countrymom]

I have this child too. I'm over it now. I refuse to engage in "you need to buy a certain brand" thing. At first I was putting food infront of the child but now, I don't invite to the table. The child started to become disruptive and all the kids started to see that if the child didn't eat, then they didn't need to eat either. It became insane. I have also witness the child stuff snacks into mouth like crazy, so no more snacks either (she doesn't like what I serve anyways) I get alot of "I want cookies, or I want a snack" oh, the child doesn't even drink water, even water down juice they won't drink. I'm done with family because they don't care, and really mean they don't care.

[TaylorTots]

I agree with others - serve and if they eat or not, their choice. I don't require a bite of everything before seconds, but if you don't try three bites there are no thirds.

They eat a great snack if they hold out for the meal. I make it clear to parents from the get go that I do not offer ANY alternative meals unless it is due to a doctor documented allergy or intolerance. When we do field trips in the summer with the SA'ers I tell parents what lunch will be packed and that they can pack their own if their kids don't like it (but I don't discount for it or anything). Otherwise no outside food or drinks are allowed.

When I get a complaint my response is always the same: " I'm not asking. This is your food/drink/snack/whatever. It is your choice whether you eat/drink or not." And I turn my back so any fits/tantrums/etc are not acknowledged.

[mia]

Im the same ...serve it ... if they eat they eat if not then they wait til snack time .... I then let parents know at pick up time that the child did not eat lunch so they may be extra hungry at dinner ( supper time ).....

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

My fake gaggers/pukers? I look at them in the eye and sternly say, "Stop it. It is time to eat." And repeat as necessary. I have kids that play it at home but don't do it here now. Nuh uh.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Oh, and if they don't eat then that is fine...they will be hungry. But, the gagging act I do not tolerate around 8+ other little parrots. Nooo way. Gross.

[MissAnn]

Oh, and if they don't eat then that is fine...they will be hungry. But, the gagging act I do not tolerate around 8+ other little parrots. Nooo way. Gross.

This one is new.....she had to try it once and I out a stop to it.....but she is still not eating. Her choice.

[Atroya]

How long do all of you wait for them to eat before you let them leave the table? I have one picky eater that I was giving 10 minutes after the last child left the table to eat....is that too long? Should I just say the heck with it and if he doesn't eat by the time the last kid left the table, pick up his plate and be done with it?

[MissAnn]

How long do all of you wait for them to eat before you let them leave the table? I have one picky eater that I was giving 10 minutes after the last child left the table to eat....is that too long? Should I just say the heck with it and if he doesn't eat by the time the last kid left the table, pick up his plate and be done with it?

We have to stay at the table and not even look away if a child is still at the table eating. We all get up at the same time. I'm going to just not "care" if the kids eat or not. Of course I care, but I'm not going to show it. I feel like if they know you are trying to get them to eat they know they have the "power" to keep from eating. I'm hoping that once the pressure to eat has vanished so will the pickiness. Let's see.

[Cradle2crayons]

My fake gaggers/pukers? I look at them in the eye and sternly say, "Stop it. It is time to eat." And repeat as necessary. I have kids that play it at home but don't do it here now. Nuh uh.

totally agree. I don't have an eating gagger I have a crying hand in he mouth gagger... Or I used to... She pulls it at home but let's just say... She wouldn't even THINK about doing it here anymore.