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Dizzy (4) has similar-ish issues tho not quite as severe. I have a system whereby my bag ALWAYS has the same 2 snacks in it - raisins and crackers - and in greater quantities than he (and sibs) can reasonably get through. He therefore knows that he can always ask for raisins or crackers and they will always be there (although I may not always say he can have them!). And I mean ALWAYS - whether we are out for half an hour or the whole day those 2 items are in my bag.Of course there are often additional treats, but this constancy does seem to give him security.Taz

HI there, i will pm you x

Thank you for the replies. Anymore helpful advice anyone?

I think some things will always remain a feature for some children, it just gets easier to manage it as they understand more as they get older. My 15 yr old is still like this when we go on holiday - especially if it's self catering and the cupboards are bare when we arrive. However, we can reason with him, and he knows that the shops aren't far away. You might also find that the anxiety would transfer if you dealt with the food issue, and its replacement could be worse, so accepting can sometimes be the way to go.

that is interesting lamplady, my son at 13 gets the wobbles everytime we go away on holiday- empty cupboards and boxes give him the real wobbles, even now!there are things I have done to help him but have had to accept that the desperate fear Feeling will not go for him but the Thought of "I know that food will come" will rationalise this, given time.1) Never ever send them into a shop hungry. They will steal and eat it. Always have a stash of nosh before a shop or leave them outside for 2 mins while you get them something!2) Keep food on him at all times. I make sure there is a pack of raisins in his pocket at all times. If you can illiminate the "ask mum first" rule do so, I know in the ideal world he wont munch stuff 2 mins before dinner but raisins wont spoil his appetite and not having to ask first removes a "hurdle" between him and food.3) De-criminise stealing of food around the house. THis is in our situation with children who steal habitually. We have a big bowl of kitkats etc on the table on a monday and it isnt refilled til the following monday. (if there is something nice, you dont want them to have- hide it!)4) do a menu for the week- everyone in the family gets a choice of 1 dinner and 1 pud over the weekends in our house. 5) If you shop on line get him to check off the food on the list. See it go into the cupboard.6) Role play- we liked the happyland (ELC) stuff when they were little. what happens if there are no bananas left at home? Yes! We get some money from mum and go to the little shop! drive the happyland family to the shop and act it out, repeat often. Directly relate to home with you- the worst thing that could happen is you would pop to the shop/ ask grandma to bring her cakes etc.7) Introduce him to a wide range of foods, every sunday I used to make a fruit salad and they would choose a fruit each- we have had all sorts, dragon fruit, lychees, sharon fruit, kumquats etc. YUM! we have italian, indian, chinese, mexican etc at home. We also do some trad English stuff. Chicken wraps are their favourites and they love this- the whole salad basket goes on the table with cheese, avacado, tomato salsa etc. This week BIG exitement... Radishes!! lol! As he gets older get him more involved with the process of food- thinking about it, planning what you need, making a list, buying it, hygiene and safety rules, making it, EATING IT! tidying up, write it on his reportoire for when he opens his own resturant and makes you comfortable in your old age! You need to assure him that with every feeling there is a thought and "soon" his thought part will be bigger than his "feel" around food.DimplesP.S. Watching the hairy bikers on TV as well as Bear Gryls and Ray Mears is something Makedo and I love to do!