3yo DS becoming really fussy eater - at home

[MrsMoppandBucket]

My 3yo DS goes to nursery a few mornings a week. It includes lunch. When we go to pick him up they tell us what he has eaten and he usually eats most of his meal. I'm not sure why, perhaps its because he is sat with other children and sees them doing it. He does sometimes refuse to eat certain parts, but usually he gets a balanced meal.

At home however he is getting fussier and fussier. He will only eat fruit, cheddar cheese, toast with marmite, tuna sandwiches, sausage rolls, omelettes, battered fish and carrots or peas. He previously ate much more variety then this and was really good with meat and even ate olives.

I'm getting worried about it now. I made a lovely very plain tomato and cheese past bake today. It was all from scratch as it always is, so it's not like there are any strange chemically flavours that you sometimes get in a jar of sauce. We sat down as a family to eat together but he refused to even touch it. He used to love it when I made pasta for him. He's also turning his nose up at potato based dishes which he used to love.

It wouldn't be so bad if he'd take a bite and then say he doesn't like it, but he won't even do that.

I'm totally at a loss as to what to do now. Some advice I've read says not to fight them on it because it becomes a battle for control. I have no idea what to do now.

Your suggestions are all welcome.

[MrsTawdry]

He's just flexing his muscles. Learning about being an individual. When mine did this I used to not make a fuss, not hassle her to eat...and then I'd keep the meal...when she said she was hungry I'd warm it up. Sometimes she'd eat it and sometimes not...if she didn't then I'd give her fruit, raw carrots and maybe some bread or a peanut butter dip.

Don't stress about it it's fine. So normal.

[Sanoie1]

Mine too, but i cant quite ignore it. I insist he eats his breakfast, but sometimes ignore his reaction to lunch and dinner. Unfortunately if he doesnt eat enough during the day, he wakes in the night hungry. Grrrrr.

[MrsTawdry]

I make supper to counter that. Mine are sometimes "light" on their tea...so I offer a supper at about 6 if that's the case.

Something like beans on toast, scrambled eggs on toast, or a plate with cubed cheese, peanut butter dip and carrot batons with a cracker or two.