Dinnertime Dilemma

So my 18 month old DS, who typically has a huge appetite, has as of recent decided that he either only wants muffins or nothing for dinner. He eats well all day (2 meals and snacks with plenty of variety) What do I do here? Do I hold my ground and "encourage" him to eat the dinner we are having or do I give in and let him eat muffins every night for dinner??? (It pains me to even say that LOL )

Re: Dinnertime Dilemma

IMO you really can't force a child that age to eat. You can offer, you can suggest, but ultimately they will eat or not eat what they want. Many a night my DD will refuse to eat anything but pancakes for dinner. I am ok with that because she eats pretty balanced meals at daycare. I figure something is better than nothing-which she has also been known to do at dinner time.

Dinnertime Dilemma

That's what I was thinking too, but just felt like I need validation! LOL I had mommy guilt sending him to bed with nothing or with less then nutritious food....Guess this is the reality of having a toddler!

Re: Dinnertime Dilemma

If he's eating good during the day I wouldn't worry too much about dinner.
Well I would worry because I'm always feeling guilty or worrying over something guess that's just the way it is.
Hope it's a quick phase!

If you're feeling adventurous & have the time, you can bake some healthy type of muffins like zucchini & apple sauce, there actually pretty good.

Re: Dinnertime Dilemma

We are having dinner time woe's here as well.

I try not to stress about it. If she doesn't eat dinner, she doesn't eat. It has not affect her sleep so she can't be that hungry.

I offer fruit and yogurt during the day and she eats a good breakfast with snacks in between.

Dinnertime Dilemma

I would fix a tiny plate - 2-3 bites of each dinner food. Then he could have muffins for a snack after he finished dinner.

I used to "bribe" DS to eat. If I wanted him to eat 10 bites of chicken, 10 bites of peas and 10 bites of noodles I'd put 10 chicken, 10 peas and 5 noodles on his plate. He'd finish the noodles and ask for more but not eat the chicken/peas. Then I'd say eat 1 bite of chicken and 1 bite of peas and you can have another noodle. It got him to eat everything and he had a few more noodles - no big deal.

GL