Okay...how bad is that that lately I've been having to sing to my son to get him to eat?

Question

It all started when I was trying to get him try foods that he was familiar with yet. After singing through the first few bites, he usually gobbled up the rest of whatever it was (oh, he'll be a year in a couple weeks, by the way). But, the last couple weeks (unless it's something that he absolutely loves) I've been having to sing through the whole meal and w/ every meal. I've tried to wait to start singing to see if he'll open his mouth on his own (once in a great while he will), but usually he'll start whining and eventually cry. It's funny (but, not...if ya know what I mean), b/c he totally knows that he's playing me. I don't mind doing it, but I'm afraid it'll carry on for years! Is this just a phase or do I need to cut him off before it's too late?

Answer 1

Hahahahahahahahha! That is soooooooo funny.

I don't think he's working you over; it's most likely a conditioned response. He probably is delighted by you singing to him, and he knows that eating time = funny mommy singing time.

Maybe you could introduce another trigger that is less demanding of you. Maybe get a stuffed animal to hold the spoon or to "help" him eat? Can you get someone else to feed him to see how that would fly? It must be kind of annoying to have to sing the whole time. You really don't want to get it out of control. That's what always happens. You find a bandaid fix that works, keep at it because you are so grateful it works, and then it turns into a neverending habit.

Answer 2

Your fine. Its normal. I have to play games, sing, Basically try anything to get my little monster to eat. babies and kids go through fazes of being good eaters. Why not keep dinner time fun?

Answer 3

Have him start to hum with you. Then maybe he will continue to eat with out you have to sing.

I am sure it will pass...just don't do it all the time. Make it a nice thing not a requirement.

Answer 4

There's nothing wrong with a little music if you're both enjoying yourselves, but at some point you'll want to be able to have a conversation with your husband during dinner.  Do realize you don't actually have to sing to get him to eat.  He may well skip a meal or two or even three if you don't.  But he won't starve himself, harm himself, or skip meals indefinitely.  If you're tired of the routine, stop singing.  If he whines or cries and won't eat, call it a meal and offer him food again at the next scheduled meal or snack (but not between).