how do i get my three year old to eat dinners we eat?

Answer 1

Did you never read Calvin & Hobbs? Calvin doesn't want to eat his greens and his father tells him that's a good idea as it's toxic waste and will have a terrible effect upon him. Result is he wolfs it down. An alternative is to tell him or her that you're keeping whatever it is for a superhero who may be popping by later. When they eventually ask what it is, answer vaguely. When they finally ask if they can try it, tell them they can have a little, but you are keeping it for the superhero, and it's really up to them.

Answer 2

Food issues are a big concern because this is one of the only areas where children have total control. Do not make this a big issue and rest assured that children will not starve themselves. I would offer him what you and the rest of the family are eating and nothing else. The meal should be colorful and appealing and fun. If he chooses not to eat it, let him know that you will keep his plate in the fridge and if he gets hungry, he can finish his dinner. Also, nothing sweet unless he eats dinner. He may be holding out knowing that something better might be coming but will start to eat his dinner when he realizes that his choice is to eat what the family is eating or to not eat. As I said before, he will not starve. Be sure he isn't getting too many snack or too much to drink throughout the day. He may just be full when dinner time comes.

If this becomes a bigger issue and you are worried about weight issues, I would make an appt with the doctor but try these things first and see how he does.

Answer 3

People above have good input--I just wanted to add that making him a part of the family meals can help too. He'll feel more special and grown-up if he knows he's eating "big boy food" now, just like mommy and daddy. So keep his high chair or booster chair close to the table and let him see the rest of you eating. And, of course, as others have said: no snacks before dinner, and definitely no snacks/sweets if he hasn't eaten dinner.

Requiring him to clean his plate might be a bit much, but encourage him to at least try a few bites of everything. My aunt has two of the pickiest little eaters I've ever seen, but they've gotten better over time as she's tried the "few bites" approach. Also, try different foods--you never now what they'll take a liking to. My little brother loves broccoli with cheese--I never would have expected that!

Answer 4

Parents are responsible for the food and how it is presented. Children are responsible for how much they eat and even if they eat. Put all the food on the table in bowls and ask your 3 year old to choose what he wants on his plate. Don't make a big deal about it but also don't offer him snacks if he doesn't eat - he will just have to wait until dinner or breakfast the next day.

Answer 5

By not giving them any attention when they refuse to eat food.

this might seem harsh but children are clever and know what buttons to press.

if they refuse to eat what is on their plate. Don't make a fuss, take the plate away but DON'T give ANY snacks in between just fluids.
If they don't eat the next meal do the same again.

Children will eat when they are hungry and by tis time they should be hungry.

It may take you a day to get this instilled into them but it will be worth it in the long run.

The main thing is DON@T make a fuss[that's attention for them]

Answer 6

A child will not starve to death if they don't have any dinner a couple of times. Don't give the child any treats until they do eat their dinner. I was always told I couldn't leave the table without clearing my plate.

Answer 7

I had this with all my 3 children I used to cook one meal for adults and different for kids but got sick of making different meals so now we all have the same (obviously if it is something spicy/hot then would make something different) they will refuse to eat but when they are hungry they will eat what is in front of them and don't worry that they will go hungry just stay firm and don't give in and don't give any alternatives if not eaten - just try and encourage them to eat what is on plate if not eaten just remove plate from table without any fuss - believe me it works - good luck

Answer 8

Just keep putting the food in front of him without any other options for dinner. He'll pick at it and don't worry he won't starve to death or even let himself go hungry, he'll eat....

Answer 9

this is what i do with my 2 year old nephew who has the same problem.

we offer it at dinner. he ususally dont eat it . then when he says he is hungry we heat up his plate and if he still dont eat it then he waits for breakfast.

usually after 3 days with no supper he eats what he is given.

Answer 10

my son could be a bit of a fuss pott at times...I never cook him anything different and always put an option of veg ect on his plate...What I do it try and make things fun...ie sandwiches...put a smiley face on them with your fingers..stir peas in my mash or carrots ect he thinks all meat is chicken cos that his favorite meat..and loads of praise ie " GO ON HAVE A SPOON OF THAT AND YOU WILL BE THE BIGGEST GIRL/BOY. lots of cheers for eating veg and just ignore if playing up as this is for attention...if still not eating just make them sit there untill its gone or most of it gone..then you can reward with play time...or a desert like fruit my little lad loves grapes he will eat these rather than sweets. so fun fun fun food! disguise it and lots of praise for eating it and reward time...reward time will wear off eventually and they will eat as normal. hope this helps it helped me.