3 yo not eating breakfast

[Frazzled2207]

Our nearly 3 yo has never had a good appetite but until recently would reliably eat weetabix or something else for breakfast.
Last week or so, having recovered from a virus, has been really awkward.
Will happily say he wants weetabix/porridge/toast (all three in succession this morning) then refuses to eat it. Then complains about being hungry mid-morning (unsurprisingly). Pretty sure it's psychological rather than lack of appetite (enjoys winding us up?) because two days a week he goes to nursery and trots off very happily for his breakfast as soon as he gets there.
Am trying to be relaxed and not plead with him but on monday mornings
for example he goes to playgroup for 3 hours, I obviously really wanted him to eat before going, but he just refused (with a smirk on his face).
Lunch and teatimes are a battle too but on those occasions he eventually gives in and eats eventually.
Doc recently saw him and doesn't think anything wrong.
But I hate to send him off for a morning's running about with an empty tummy! Makes me feel like a crap mum.
Am fairly sure he would have yoghurt if offered as he loves it but really don't want him to get into the habit of having sweet things first thing,
Tips or reassurance please

[Artandco]

Offer food, leave if he doesn't eat. Offer food again at lunch

Can't he have plain Greek yogurt? There's no added sugar.

Maybe he has just gone off that food a bit as virus can alter taste buds a bit. Maybe something like boiled eggs/ beans/ Greek yogurt/ cheese cubes/ fruit or similar.

When mine have been ill they usually have glass of milk and banana if they don't want much else

[Seeyounearertime]

Why fight? why have a battle?
"Here you go Frazzled Jr, heres 2 weetabix, eat them or dont, there's nothing else"
if he doesn't eat them that's his problem,
"You're hungry? well you should have eaten your Weetabix then bab"
same thing at dinner times, place the meal, if he eats it or he doesn't that's up to him. if he moans he's hungry then point out he should have eaten his meal.
stick to your guns, stick to the routine, within a few days he'll get the idea that he has to eat what you give. I'd also tell them at nursery whats going on, they'll have seen it before so you won't be a "crap Mum"

[Kariana]

I agree with the above. It sounds like he's making this into a fun game, asking for a succession of things then refusing them to see your reaction, rather than any bigger issue with food which would present differently. Ask once what he wants, give that, then be clear there is nothing else. He won't starve missing one meal and will soon learn. Do the same with lunch and dinner, give it to him then ignore any refusal or messing, don't battle and give attention. If you keep reacting then at best he will carry on doing it and at worst it will end up in a deeper food issue. If he is going hungry at lunch you'll probably find he's too hungry too mess when it comes to the next meal and it will help break the habit.

[Wolfiefan]

What art said.
Offer food. If it is refused take it away.
Hungry later? Have the cold toast or wait until lunch.
DON'T offer a favourite food instead.