Does he DISLIKE milk or FRUITS?

Dear Oby,

i have some questions.


1)my son doesn't like fruits and dislikes drinking milk though i pile loads of milk in his cereals.


2) i try to feed him with african food but he loves his cereals a lot. how do i get him off cereal or rather make it just a morning routine.


Cheers sweetie
Liz

Response,

Dear Liz,
FRUITS
In the world of all fruits, I'm very sure there is one he must love. There are so many to choose from and from experience I see children eating berries. It's quite irresistable to them. Try serving him strawberries, raspberries or even blackberries. When next you go shopping, if you buy mostly apples, pears or oranges, extend your fruit choices to peaches, clementines, watermelon, grapes, kiwi etc. There are so many you can try out and see his preference. When you buy his strawberries and want to serve him, sprinkle with sugar(castor) or confectioners sugar. Also while serving him his cereal, try adding strawberries to it or any fruit that comes in handy like cubed apples, pear, banana or even peaches. Yoghurts can go a long way in making him eat his fruits. Serve him fruits with dolops of yoghurt as the fruit topping.
MILK
If he doesn't like to drink milk but uses it in his cereal, it's very well then. At least, he's taking milk which is very rich in the food elements human beings need even if it's through another means. When he eats his cereal and eats it well, then you don't have to stress about him drinking milk. Nevertheless, if you want him to try drinking milk like from a glass, why not try making the milk a little different by flavouring it. You can use cocoa to make him hot chocolate or even add a little bit of vanilla to the milk but avoid making it too sweet for fear of spoiling the appetite. Also, you can blend some strawberries with milk and serve him, I bet you he'll love the colour and reach for it instantly!!!




There is something I tried out with my son. I noticed he didn't like drinking his milk from his little plastic cup after a while and would prefer taking sips from my mug and so I bought him a baby mug. I can tell you, it worked!
Based on your second question on him not liking African foods, it's okay. Never force him to eat what he doesn't feel like. Children when forced to eat something they don't feel like might turn out hating the food entirely which is what we must avoid. It might be a phase and he might come around later to start liking African dishes.
Concerning his cereals and his love for it, please never deny him his cereals when he asks for it. Cereals are wonderful for breakfast yeah, but if he decides not to eat dinner on a particular evening and would rather prefer cereals even after your indulgence, do serve him the cereal cos it's better he eats that than go to bed without any food. Structure his meals and menu in a way that it will be exciting and eating his meals will be fun for him and the whole family also.

I hope this helps. Do post a comment if it did.
Ate ja.