What Do You Do When...

[littlemisssunshine]

A child refuses to eat their food? Do you serve them something else or just tell the parents they didn't want to eat and are hungry .. Dck is 15 months and one is 2

[daycare]

A child refuses to eat their food? Do you serve them something else or just tell the parents they didn't want to eat and are hungry .. Dck is 15 months and one is 2

are they new to your care??

[youretooloud]

I usually just let them get up and go play.

But, I serve pretty kid friendly foods, with a large variety on the plate. (there's usually at least four foods on the plate) so if they can't find a few things to eat on the plate, they go off to play.

[cheerfuldom]

I never serve anything else, nor do I even tell the parents if the kids ate just a little that day (thats assuming they are toddler age or up, and dont have a particular reason why one missed meal is that big of a deal). Kids go up and down a bit on the amounts that they eat and one small or skipped meal is not a huge issue. They will catch up later, when they are ready.

Now if it was becoming a pattern or there was a special needs issue regarding food intake, then yes, that would result in a discussion with mom or dad.

[momofsix]

If it's something I know they really don't like then they can have a sandwich. I don't run a restaurant though so they know they can't do it every time something's not a "favorite". I think I've made 2 sandwiches this summer-for 2 different kiddos.

[Meyou]

I don't serve anything else.

[Blackcat31]

You get what you get and you don't have a fit.

I serve and they eat. or not.

But I only make ONE meal.

[spud912]

Ditto with Blackcat.

I make one meal for everyone. It's usually somebody's "favorite" and occasionally it's something I know one of them dislikes. They have to learn that they will not always get what they want or something special. If they are hungry enough, they will eat it regardless. If not, then they can eat something at the next meal/snack. I also require them to try at least one bite of everything on their plate (even if I already know that they don't like the food item...sometimes people's palates change).

[daycarediva]

Ditto with Blackcat.

I make one meal for everyone. It's usually somebody's "favorite" and occasionally it's something I know one of them dislikes. They have to learn that they will not always get what they want or something special. If they are hungry enough, they will eat it regardless. If not, then they can eat something at the next meal/snack. I also require them to try at least one bite of everything on their plate (even if I already know that they don't like the food item...sometimes people's palates change).

^ yes that. I have ONE ridiculously picky eater that has been here for almost a year with no signs of changing. My former picky eater is now one of my BEST eaters. Her mother still claims she won't like anything on my menu, and she always clears her plate.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Everybody must try one bite. I only prepare one meal.

[jojosmommy]

One meal. Eat or not.

I usually don't mention it to mom/dad. The bigger deal I make of it the more control the kids have IMO. Plus mom and dad worry about something we have no control over which just makes things harder.

I figure they can tell when their kids are hungry when I am not around (like weekends) so they can probably do the same in the evening.

[Busy Bees]

I will not cook anything else,I serve to every Lunch, Vegies,Fruit,Bread and a Dish with meat .There is somthing the kids like or they will need to wait until snack time. Only one exeption is if a child has a alergie to the food!

[countrymom]

I have 2 18months old dck's and they eat nothing, I seriously think they survive on junk food all day. The one child, doesn't chew food properly and chokes and easily throws up except when it junk food, he miracously can chew without an issue ?????? the other child I think doesn't eat unless it comes from a baby food jar and you feed it too her, because for 5 months I've given her finger food and she can't eat them but she sees a jar and spoon and suddenly eats, I refuse to go down this road with a child that is older. But she can eat junk without a problem.

[Luna]

I decide where, what, and when we eat, the child decides if and how much. Mealtime happens much to often to make it a battleground. One meal. Eat it or don't eat it. See you back at the table next time

[momma2girls]

I only make one meal, and if they eat it great, if they don't, they will go hungry, til snacks!!