Concerned Reader: I know a kid who is 3 1/2 years old and only eats chicken nuggets. Is this bad? Can he get diabetes because he does not eat almost anything else? The doctor said that he will start eating someday but it has been 2 years already. He does not eat vegetables, only bananas and grapes but only once in a while and only small portions, not even half a banana. He likes milk in a bottle so because he does not eat a lot, he drinks milk instead. The blood test results are always good, that is why the doctor says he is okay and someday will start eating. What kind of doctor can they take him to help him with the appetite? Is there any type of classes to teach the kids how to cook and eat? Please help me!!!! Thanks for your opinion.

A: What the child is experiencing is called a food jag. The doctor is right the child will start to eat other foods when he is ready to. Right now he is probably trying to assert his independence and make his own food choice. You can help him by offering several choices at mealtime and let him pick what to eat. Remember, reasearch has shown you may have to offer the same food more than 22 times before he will even eat it. I know it can be frustrating but just keep trying. Eventually, he will move on to other types of foods as well as more portions as well.