dinner time disagreement !!

[Finance Guy]

Advice needed please:

My wife and I have a 2 yr old son. Earlier today, I came in from work just as he was being given dinner. He was not eating it and a battle of wills was going on, as she would not make him anything else. I tried, for a moment, to help her in getting him to eat, but he was not liking the food and was adamant he would not eat it. I do not like this type of stand off as I think it is all a bit silly and chose to walk away rather than take over and risk facing 'the wrath' of the better half!

However, the situation followed me and little one came into the lounge, having still not eaten. He was clearly hungry and the slightly frustrated Mrs disappeared for about 15 minutes, leaving me to it. I got him a slice of ham from the fridge to snack on and when she came back I suggested that perhaps he could be offered a small choice at mealtimes to prevent this type of mini drama. For saying this, I was laughed at and told in no uncertain terms that I had no idea what I was saying, kids need to be told, they don't get a choice, we would be breeding a spoiled brat, mums everywhere would pour scorn on me, etc, etc�. you get the drift I'm sure !

[trish432]

i agree with your wife, if he`s hungry he will eat, too much choice these days,

[ELVIS68]

That`s bad, let them control you and you are asking for trouble

As for the 2 yr old, don`t let him dictate to you what he eats

[tamborine]

Forcing food down children is the start of obesity. If the food offered makes them wretch they shouldn't have to eat it.

[cove]

The more children (and some adults too) are forced to do things which they dislike, most times they rebel. If the child does not like a certain food then it shouldn�t be forced on him. Suppose he had become ill and started vomiting after eating it? Maybe that particular food tasted badly to the child. The body speaks to us and many times we don't listen...

[trish432]

lol Elvis.

[rnchugg]

Hi I would give him a small choice.

My son is also two, we let him feed himself he has a fork and spoon but he does like to use his hands, we also sit and have the samething for dinner at the sametime, this helps as he likes to see us eating too.

The way i see it is the less fuss at the dinner table the more they will eat. My little one is small and thin, just because you give them a choice, it does not have to be fatty foods, but healthy choices.

I really hope this helps. It does with us !!