Issues at dinner time!

Hi All, Just wondered if anyone else is having issues at dinner time(main meal of the day)? My little one jsut messes about and waves his spoon and fork everywhere and it is such a battle. He ahadly seems to eat annything. He eats well and breakfast and lunch and he does havw a few snacks but not too much. Its really pushing our buttons. Ive tried ignoring it, role modelling, encouraging, being firm and he just keeps on doing it! Anyone been through this and have any tips or tricks?

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Have you tried giving him a main meal at lunch and a lighter meal in the evening? Maybe he's just full by the time dinner comes xx

My son used to be terrible at tea time ! He puts his hand over his mouth or pretends he’s got a cough, anything to prevent him from eating unless it’s chicken nuggets. Like your son he eats well at breakfast and lunch time. He’s not 100% great but better than he was. I stuck to my guns that if no dinner was eaten there wasn’t anything else to eat unless it was fruit and he was then getting hungry x

@Lilli its awkward as he still naps at lunch time so i wouldnt have time to cook and eat a meal and then down for nap on time. Definitely something ill try when he stops which i think may be soon!

@Sally oh really? What I'd do for my daughter to take a nap on occasion haha I hope you get it sorted xx

@Amy glad it isnt just me! Yes we dont give any alternatives and he doesnt get pudding and only fruit for supper but he never seems to ask for more which i never understand. Maybe he isnt as hungry as i think he is. Glad to hear there may be light at the end of the tunnel at least! X

I’ve tried reading up on as much as possible and they do say toddlers can go several days without eating before they get hungry 🤯 mines gotten easier so you’ll get there at some point but it’s just horrible as I always used to dread dinner times x

@Lilli i know im so lucky he does still (but he can also go without if needed!) Just does limit us quite a lot x

@Amy this is where i'm at, i dread dinner times. I love when hes at nursery and i dont have to worry about it! Im just glad it isnt just us! i know its a phase but my god its hard not to get frustrated at him! X

It’s extremely frustrating so I totally get how you’re feeling. My boy hates feeding himself too unless it’s nuggets or picky food 🤦🏼‍♀️ it will get better and I know that doesn’t help right now but gradually it will x

I read somewhere recently that kids their age have 2 good meals a day, but never 3. Breakfast is not great for my son, lunch is a little better and dinner is his best meal. It’s really hard and I worry a lot that he isn’t eating enough, but he is growing 🫠

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