I have a 2yr. Old boy whom me and my husband have obtained guardianship of. The last 2 months he has started to hold the food in his mouth. If it is something he doesn't like he will start gag so I know he is not holding the because he doesn't like it. It can be his 1st, 2nd or 3rd bite, it can be foods he likes. You can tell him to eat and he will continue to shove food in his mouth until he gags because he won't swallow. You can even give him a drink and he will swallow the liquid but not the food. You make him spit it out and he cries for food give him the food and he does the same thing all over again. Feed him the same thing next week and he will eat with no problems. Why and how do I stop this?

2 years olds have their own rules,the world revolves around them!

The first thing I suggest is a check up with the doctor,he may just have a small swallow,its not serious,lots of children cannot take a large portion of food in their mouths,but they try!

Give him 2 year old portions of food,show by example to chew,give different varieties of food,give him a small spoon,teach him to swallow before the next bite.

Perhaps I should have clarified on the portions.

My intention was not too offend but to help.

Is he active? He is gaining weight?

It could be that meal times have become a power struggle,you could try offering him snacks and plenty of drink.
Contacting a pediatric dietitian or nutritionist,can help you come up with a tips and food options.

Also,charting what he eats and drinks,over a 7 day period might give you a better idea of what he is actually eating.

If as you say he won't swallow at all I suggest you consult a doctor straight away.

If it is such a concern maybe it is time to bring your child to the pediatrician or doctor.

Maybe its enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Or it could just be that there are phases where the child needs foods and others times not so much.

One of the ways to stop it is stop with so much pressure to feed the child. The child can pick up on frustrations and stress and it can effect eating habits as well.

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Please do not take this the wrong way, but have you given any thought to what was already suggested the first time you posted this question on January 28, 2010.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/child-teen-health/2-yr-old-boy-holding-food-mouth-440253.html

I will guess that this is the same child that you asked about in the Family Law forum: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/family-law/what-do-do-410200.html.

Part of it sounds like he is being a normal toddler. Which sounds like a good thing with his background.

However, you may want to make certain that he doesn't have intermittent problems with his throat. It could be stress related if he feels like he is being pressured to eat or the adults around him are frustrated. It is hard to swallow when you feel like crying.

By the way, I am glad that you care enough about this little one to take him in. It sounds like he needs the stability of a good home.