My step-daughter is a picky eater

[Jamievb30]

My 6.5 year old step-daughter is a picky eater and very rarely eats what we fix, until recently she got what she wanted until I put my foot down and said "no, I am NOT making two meals, she can eat what I fix or she can go hungry." My fiance agrees but we worry that she is starving herself to prove a point. Her mother treats her to fast food and whatever she wants and we refuse to do the same. Is she capable, at 6 years old of starving herself? She hasn't lost any weight or anything else, we just want to know if mentally a six year old is capable of it.

[Jamievb30]

I really need to know if she is capable, at her age of starving herself.

[Renee Radenberg]

It is frustrating when children has no interest in different types of food, however, forcing her to eat what you make will not help either. Engage her in the kitchen more. Children love to be a part of making food. Have her help you with preparation of food, and setting the table. Hopefully this will increase her interest in other types of food. The most important thing is to RELAX. You do not want mealtimes to be a battle of the wits between the child and you. If she will not eat a certain food, do not make a fuss over it. Give her some other food alternatives. Then let it go and enjoy the meal. Slowly introduce new foods, and if she does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Try again in a few weeks. Hope this helped you.