We have explained to him why it is so important for him to eat it all and eat it a little quicker. He is not setting himself up for an eating disorder, but you might be setting him up for one. He could begin to lose his own ability to sense fullness and hunger. He could learn that food is not there to provide nutrition, but to make his parents happy. Picky eating is not a problem as long as he is gaining weight and growing appropriately.
Some children are just naturally thin.
If your pediatrician isn't worried about his weight, neither should you. Eating slowly should not be a problem either. If he is really eating his meal within a half an hour, he's doing fine. It is vital that he learn this natural consequence to his choices without being forced to do so from his parents. 1995-2001 Diabetes123 and Children with Diabetes .