Grex Parenting Conference

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Grex Parenting Item 124: Chewing
Entered by tod on Thu Dec 30 22:08:25 UTC 2004:

My 2 year old still only chews his food if its bread or large piece of meat.
If he's eating things like noodles or peas or smaller items that require
somewhat an amount of chewing then he just swallows it whole.  
I'm curious if this is something he needs to be taught somehow, if we should
refrain from giving him things that require chewing, or if he'll just grow
into chewing his food.

7 responses total.

#1 of 7 by kami on Sun Jan 2 04:38:55 2005:

Um, I'm not an expert here, but- 
1. do his teeth or gums hurt? Are there some pre-molars coming in, perhaps?
2. Is he distracted while eating, so that he focusses more on other stuff than
on the food itself?
3. I don't know that careful chewing has to be taught to all kids, but my mom
put a lot of effort into trying to teach me that skill- you can make up little
stories about being a rock grinder, or a beaver or whatever, or counting games
for how many chews each mouthful gets, or something.
4. Do NOT limit him to soft foods- he needs to chew in order to gain strength
in his jaw muscles, which will be important for healthy teeth, and for
talking. I've heard that some of our modern dental and oral problems come from
the fact that we all eat foods which are softer and sweeter than in most of
history.
Don't give up- it's just one of so many small crises of child rasing... <g>

#2 of 7 by tod on Mon Jan 3 18:52:55 2005:

I have many games for him to play regarding chewing but I don't think he
understands the concept of "chew".  Also, he can vomit on demand if he
mentally triggers...he can't be eating and see his baby brother spit up at
all or he'll vomit.  And if he's eating mashed potatoes then sometimes he'll
throw up.  He has a sensitive gag reflex.  I've learned that I have to make
sure he's eating small portions if he's not chewing.  He usually only chews
pieces of meat or bread and not when they're accompanied with something.

#3 of 7 by kami on Tue Jan 4 04:23:14 2005:

He doesn't have to "understand the concept", at this age, as long as he begins
to develop the movement pattern/habit.  
What does the doctor say about vomiting on demand? that could be a problem,
could increase the likelihood of acid reflux, etc.
He might well outgrow the whole problem, of course.
Do stick to, as you say, small portions of a single item at a time. Also, to
simple foods- not too sugary or acidic or hard to digest. Natural is better.
And do try not to worry too much...

#4 of 7 by tod on Tue Jan 4 16:17:57 2005:

The peanutbutter brittle is the tough one..  :)

#5 of 7 by kami on Wed Jan 5 02:38:03 2005:

riiiiight.
Urgh!

#6 of 7 by scholar on Tue Feb 8 07:15:29 2005:

whoa!

i'm afraid of when i have children!

#7 of 7 by nharmon on Thu Jun 23 18:52:36 2005:

Hopefully that won't be for a long time.

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