Is it appropriate to say something?

[lolane]

I will start by saying that I am leaning towards not saying anything, but my mother thinks I should say something so I am reaching out to all of you for your opinions.

This past weekend I visited my best friend and god daughter who live out of town. My goddaughter is two and a half. I noticed that she does not eat any fruits or vegetables and that her diet consist only of meat, breads and dairy. I was mentioning this to my mother in passing and she said "You should say something." My thoughts are that it's none of my business what she feeds her child and while I wouldn't choose this particular diet, it's certainly not the worse thing in the world.

So fellow E-hellers, what are your thoughts? Should I keep my mouth shut, or should I say something, and if I say something, how should it be worded to be non-judgemental?

[audrey1962]

I wouldn't say anything without knowing more about the situation. It could be that the child is picky and the mother is currently working with a Dr on the situation. You just don't know.

[Chartreuse]

She's two and a half.  I've yet to meet a 2 year old that is open to eating everything.  It could be very likely that even if she were given produce, she flat out wouldn't eat it, which is why your best friend isn't wasting the time trying.

I probably wouldn't say anything, just because of a lack of information.

[platys]

I wouldn't say anything - its possible that it was a toddler thing, and that the child usually scarfs down spinach and carrots like the best of them.   And if not, I'm sure the mother already knows and is trying to do something about it.

[bopper]

Toddler's are notoriously finicky...I would not say anything.

[sweedetobee]

my toddler, I mean husband, is 30 and eats only meat, dairy and bread. 

As long as the child doesn't look malnourished it is really not your place to say anything.

[veryfluffy]

What would be the point in saying "something"? Is there even the remotest possibility that this woman is unaware that fruit and vegetables should be included in the child's diet?

[lolane]

Okay, it seems that my initial feeling was correct, it hadn't even crossed my mind to say anything until my mother insisted that something should be said.

Actually the reason I think the child does not eat anything but processed food is because my friend does not have the patience to cook (those are her words) so it's easy for her to open a can of something and give it to the child (it's the way she eats too.)

[wetblanket]

I wouldn't say anything.  Kids go through weird phases with food.  Next week the child might eat only bananas.

Give it time and get more information.  If they visit you, try introducing the child to new foods (in a non-pushy way, just "how about this dear?") and see what happens.

[fklwmn]

Okay, it seems that my initial feeling was correct, it hadn't even crossed my mind to say anything until my mother insisted that something should be said.

Actually the reason I think the child does not eat anything but processed food is because my friend does not have the patience to cook (those are her words) so it's easy for her to open a can of something and give it to the child (it's the way she eats too.)

Except... fruits and veggies come in cans too. It doesn't get much eaiser than that. But you still shouldn't say anything. I agree, what would it accomplish?

FWIW, I have one son who will not eat ANY fruit. EVER. He won't even drink fruit juice. and he is 12. he only eats veggies when they are a part of his meal and he has to eat them to get dessert.  He is my incarnation of the (grand)mother's curse. I serve him a balanced diet, but food is not a battle I am going to fight unless he is malnourishing himself. I would let it go, but make sure when you're in charge of meals when your god daughter is around, you offer her the fruits and veggies to see if she'll eat them or not. If she does you can always say to mom "Wow, I had no idea she loved bananas so much!! I offered her one and she scarfed it down and asked for more!" that's as far as I'd go.

[Brentwood]

Say nothing.

[IndianInlaw]

Jay Leno said recently that that's all he eats.

[Evil Duckie]

say nothing.

This is one area that it is best to stay out of if possible.  As long as the child looks healthy say nothing.

[Tabris]

Toddlers eat a "balanced week" rather than a balanced meal. Over the course of a week, the child will end up getting everything she needs. But they will have starch days, protein days, fruit days, and so on.

I would have days with my own kids where we'd serve dinner one night nad leftovers the next, and the child would eat only one part one night and only one part the next night. But the kid would get two meals' worth.

A toddler's job is to waste his weight in food every week.   Keep that in mind and it'll be fine.

[ccnumber4]

I think your instincts are correct.  Say nothing.