Another Mommy ramble

Saw a cartoon the other day - an overweight man talking to his slim female partner - "Don't talk to me about eating healthy! I had a carrot once and it didn't help"

That could well be my son when he is 40! (Although I am certain he won't ever be overweight)...

Two nights ago, hubby forced a slice of carrot from the salad plate into his mouth. The fellow sat there with the piece of carrot in his mouth, refusing to chew. He didn't want to even taste carrot!

In 10 minutes, hubby went from cajoles to threats - to no avail!

Finally, after a flood of tears and sniffles, he was asked to spit the carrot and resume his dinner.

When we struggle to get this lad to eat I wonder where we went wrong.

Our daughter was a fuss pot as a child. But after she turned four and tasted the wonders that exist in this world (chicken, fish, Italian etc) she switched. She is a foodie - she not only eats almost everything that is cooked at home (including the karela, lauki and baingan), she also enjoys experimenting with cuisines and new fare.

The boy on the other hand gives us nightmares at mealtimes, often choosing to go hungry rather than eat what is being served.

Alternately, he throws tantrums for chocolate sauce/jam with rotis, cheese pizza, kurkure or some such innocuous demand that is met with an instant and almost involuntary reaction - NO!

I often tell my friends (in response to their refrain before a meal at their home - "What do your kids eat?"), "Daughter eats everything, and son eats nothing - so no problem there!"

But it IS a problem.

He is 7 but just 17 kgs...and his list of preferred food gets shorter by the day. The lad has never tasted Mango, never eaten a whole fruit after he turned two and has not enjoyed three full meals in one day in the longest time ever. He survives on air and our faith in God!

I am concerned and at the same time, confused. We can't force him, we can't educate him and we're just not able to influence him in ANY way!

My parents suggest patience. I am running out of that as well, especially when I have to buy clothes for him. His wardrobe is a stark reminder of our predicament - some of the clothes he wears are over four years old!

Friends have suggested that I should alter his routine, camouflage veggies in soups etc etc etc. There isn't a trick in the book I haven't tried.

All that is left is perhaps surgical readjustment of the brain circuits that control hunger.... A last resort that may work!