She's never taken him to a doctor!?! At least he's had his shots.

I hate to say this, but you may have to let him sit in front of the tv to get him to eat anything. Does he actually eat, when he's there, or does he pick and play? My son has weird eating habits, in that he doesn't always like to stay at the table and sit down to eat. He got into the bad habit of running around (esp. during lunch) and taking bites here and there, but he does eat, so I don't fuss too much.

Of course you know, that they are going through growth spurts, and sometimes he may really not be hungry or want anything.

If you could find a way to make the table more pleasurable, maybe by adding confetti to it, tying balloons to the chairs, lighting candles (under close supervision) then he'd be more inclined to come sit and eat. Also, does he have any favorite foods? I read an article today where the child loved pancakes but wouldn't eat her veggies, so the mother pureed carrots and things and poured it into pancake batter, and the child ate it up!

Also, forgo the highchair. My son never really used one. He did have a booster type seat with a tray. I think that maybe at this age, he just doesn't want to be confined. My son didn't at age 2.

I really hope this helps. Please keep us informed, I'd love to hear if there is any progress. And, is there any way you could take him to the pediatrician yourself? Your daughter may be mad at you, but hey, you'd be helping keep your grandson healthy. Just a thought.

I am sorry, but it is not your resposibility to see your grandchild eats, but it is your responsibibly to see that your daughter gets proper care for the child. He may have a very serious medical condition. Why is your daughter so negative towards proper child care and where is the boys father.
Until she gets some proper help, things can only get worst and you will end up getting blamed for the problems. Sit your daughter down and insist that she and her child get proper medical and professional help
Marie

Marie, my daughter does not respond to Insistence, and never has. But she is, strangely, looking forward to tuesday when he has an appt with a pediatrician.I sent her the check.
I am putting a small amount of responsibility into this man's hands since he will be doing a thorough exam of the child and questioning my daughter.
The boy's father has been in jail for 2 months for jumping probation. We are in correspondence. thank you, binkie

Binky - congrats on at least getting your grandchild to the peditrician - sounds like he must be a healthy little guy if he has not needed a Dr. for colds, etc. - but they do need well-baby check-ups and most health dept. give those when they get their shots...

About the eating, we have a 5 year old grandaughter that eats veggies, fruits and whatever and her 3 year old brother wouldn't try anything "orange or green or yellow" unless it was a popsicle!!! He likes baloney, hot dogs, "dry" cereal, p'nut butter & jelly and perhaps a few other things, milk being he favorite...he is doing fine...I guess my suggestion is to just try and get him to eat whatever he likes and not make mealtime a struggle, he won't still be eating like that in a couple of years....good luck

First of all your daughter may have taken him to pediatrician but never told you because its not your business. As for three year olds they lose weight and gain height. All three year olds are picky and often refuse to eat. Maybe you should make something you know kids will like. And as for how your daughter raises her son you shouldn't be so judgemental or such a control freak. Its amazing how grandmother try to be mothers and not just sit back and be a grandparent. Don't underestimate your daughters abilities as a mother. That's sad!

mamato2babies, the child in question is now 13 years old. Look at the date of the post.