Not eating at daycare - Eating Problems Discussion Forum - Parents of Preschoolers Message Boards

Hello,
I have just put my 2yr old son in a daycare and he is not eating any of the food that they serve there. He is basically used to eating indian homemade food like rice. The food that they serve in the daycare is all different and he is not used to that kind of food. So he is not eating anything there but just drinking milk. To top it my son has a very small apetite and he is a fussy eater. What should I do?? Nina replied. Dear Lakshmi,
It can be quite frustrating for a child used to eating a certain type of food at home and then, going to daycare or school and being introduced to a new thing.

I would talk to the teacher if I were you and tell her that you are very concerned about your child's eating patterns at school.

Ask them if it would be possible for you to bring a meal for him to eat at school for a little while until your son can adjust to eating what they serve there. Explain to them what you usually eat at home is Indian cuisine and they should understand.

I know in some centers, they discourage children from bringing outside food in if it isn't enough for everyone, if they bring up this issue, explain that this is not going to happen for long...just until he adjusts to what they serve.

It would not be fair to your little boy to have him be hungry all day just because of this...

They should understand and respect your wishes.

It's very difficult sometimes having a little child in daycare, you will do fine.

I have this same problem with my school age girl. I have to take her lunch with her to school everyday. Her school seems to serve hamburgers, chili, meat balls and other things like that and my daughter has a difficult time just sitting amounst those who are eating it. :) She is very particular.

By the way; are you in the US? If so, where? I am in Texas.

Take care,
Nina

2003-08-19

Name: Nina
Subject:

Daycare meals

Dear Lakshmi,
It can be quite frustrating for a child used to eating a certain type of food at home and then, going to daycare or school and being introduced to a new thing.

I would talk to the teacher if I were you and tell her that you are very concerned about your child's eating patterns at school.

Ask them if it would be possible for you to bring a meal for him to eat at school for a little while until your son can adjust to eating what they serve there. Explain to them what you usually eat at home is Indian cuisine and they should understand.

I know in some centers, they discourage children from bringing outside food in if it isn't enough for everyone, if they bring up this issue, explain that this is not going to happen for long...just until he adjusts to what they serve.

It would not be fair to your little boy to have him be hungry all day just because of this...

They should understand and respect your wishes.

It's very difficult sometimes having a little child in daycare, you will do fine.

I have this same problem with my school age girl. I have to take her lunch with her to school everyday. Her school seems to serve hamburgers, chili, meat balls and other things like that and my daughter has a difficult time just sitting amounst those who are eating it. :) She is very particular.

By the way; are you in the US? If so, where? I am in Texas.

Take care,
Nina

2003-08-22

Name: Lakshmi
Subject:

Daycare Meals

Hi Nina,
As we had discussed earlier I did try sending home made food for my son to the day care. But he is not eating that also. He is remaining hungry throughout the day. I am really worried about it. Should I just wait for some more days or should I do something about it now?
Bye, Lakshmi

2003-08-21

Name: Nina
Subject:

Hi Dear

Dear Lakshmi,
Hi,My daughter is 6 years old and in first grade. She too is very petite, very thin...as a matter of fact, she is probably the most petite child in her class. She loves taking her lunch to school.

Take care, I am so glad you asked the teacher about him bringing his lunch to school...I think you will feel relieved now that you know he is more likely to eat.

About feeding him, my daughter was the same way, she had to be encouraged to eat or else she'd play and leave the table.

God Bless you and your family,
Nina

2003-08-20

Name: Lakshmi
Subject:

Daycare Meals

Hi Nina,
Thanks for your advice. I did talk to his teacher and she agreed about me getting our food. Lets see how things work out. I just hope he eats. They have to have the patience to feed him. I just pray to God that things will work out for all of us.
I am in Canada. How old is your daughter?
Bye for now
Lakshmi

Parents of Preschoolers Discussion Forum