Why would a five year old say something like this?

[blistex649]

Originally Posted by parentologist

I'm worried that something bad happened where some adult tried to force her to eat something.

I agree. I have a feeling parents just go 'tired' of the child's behavior and really went to task on that child regarding the eating.

If both parents moved on with partners already, seems like this child is viewed as a 'Fling' child, and either parent doesn't really have that genuine love for her since they associate the child with their spouse or their past life situation. Plus, the new Flings on both sides may be showing that hostility or influencing the parents in showing that. Kids, especially 5 yrs olds are 1000x smarter and perceptive, especially when interpreting genuine love and what is going on.

Sorry OP, you cannot really fix this. Feel bad for the child for the parent's poor judgement and mistakes as they are the ONLY ones that can make the child feel genuinely loved.

You need to understand and not be shocked (i.e. insult her intelligence) just because nobody told her that "they don't love her". She's seeing it, feeling and living it everyday.

[tottsieanna]

Originally Posted by GummyShark

That's what I figured she may need. I don't think it's going to be easy to convince either one of her parents but I'll try and find a good moment to bring it up.

It’s hard enough when a child’s home breaks up, but when the parents act like bratty immature people they fail to see who they are hurting the most. They may not like each other, but they have a child together who didn’t divorce their parents and needs the security of knowing they are both going to not only love her, but work together in raising her. Sit them both down tell them everything she said and how she is acting and if they both care and love her to stop acting out their anger and see a family therapist.

I wish people would realize the kids didn’t divorce their parents or chose to.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by KaraG

Well, it's good that she seems to only get upset about eating and everything else is okay.

When she says fake food, I'm wondering if she wants junk food. Maybe someone told her it was fake food.

Or, could she be getting tummy aches from something? Maybe an allergy or sensitivity is making her feel bad when she eats?

My 5 year old grandson went through a phase recently where he thought I didn't like him, just very emotional and crying and afraid to talk to me, but as soon as I asked him to come over and hang out, he was super happy and normal again. We have no idea why he acted that way. Sometimes 5 year olds are just being 5.

Eating disorders can be intractable. I wouldn't say "only".