Life Coaching for Mums - Kirsti's Response

Mum Zone's resident Life Coach Kirsti of Spheres of Success is available to answer some of your questions about a variety of life related issues.Topics include feeling down, work-life balance, getting enough sleep, spending enough time with your kids, the direction of your relationship, pursuing your dream job, learning to put yourself first, establishing your own identity and many more.

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Reader's Question

I am having trouble with my 6 year old son's eating. I am so tired and just give in to him.
He eats vegies but which kid doesn't like spag bol? - MINE. He won't eat casseroles or anything like it. Any suggestions? Please?

Kirsti's Response

Hi and thanks for your email,

It's a very frustrating time when your child becomes rather fussy with your menu! I am having similar issues with my toddler. On the flip side for you, it's fabulous that your 6 year old is eating vegetables. Many parents have a lot of problems just trying to get their child to eat any form of vegetables - so that's a positive. It's quite common for toddlers and children to develop different tastes for foods - at different ages. It may be the texture or the taste of the food that they are just not interested in at the moment. Please remember, that it's not about you or your cooking, it's about changes they are going through. You mentioned you are getting really tired and 'giving in', it's important for you to not take this personally.

It may be a good idea to list the foods that your 6 year old really enjoys. Another suggestion of mine would be to ask him directly about what foods he likes and dislikes. Of the food he dislikes, ask him 'what specifically doesn't he like' eg taste, texture etc so you can get a good idea of what he is thinking. Even if he has 5 or 6 favourite dishes you could try to mix this up for him during the week. There is also plenty of good ideas on the internet for children and easy recipes to try. I have listed some sites you may be interested in to undertake some research for new tips and ideas to increase new food choices into your 6 year old's diet...

• http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/
  Toddlers_and_fussy_eating?OpenDocument
  
  
• http://www.femail.com.au/fussy-eaters-truestar.htm

If your son's fussy eating habits continues and you feel it's impacting on your emotional health and your son's health, it may be a good idea to contact your local doctor or other medical practitioner for expert advice. If you would like to speak to a professional Life Coach in relation to your own needs, please email me on kirsti@spheresofsuccess.com.au

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The opinions expressed on this page are of a general nature and are by no means a substitute for professional advice. Therefore neither Mum Zone or Kirsti Boothroyd of Spheres of Success are liable for any actions pertaining to the use of the supplied information.