How do you cope with picky-eater guests?

[Elasticwoman]

Today took own kids + 10 yo friend to cinema as it's Inset day at their school. Had to eat packed lunch in car. Made 4 different kinds of sandwich + bananas. 10 yo wouldn't eat any of it, not even the jam sandwiches!
Didn't have a chance to ask her in advance, but should I have to? Child did express some polite sorrow at being so fussy.

Last week fed 12 yo at teatime. Turns out he won't eat potatoes in any guise. No prob, he just ate the rest of it, but his mother later asked me if I'd given him something instead (eg bread) so I felt embarrassed that I hadn't.

Week before fed 9 yo. When I told her it was going to be lasagne she said she didn't like it. So I offered other pasta. No. Minced beef with potatoes or bread? Doesn't like mince at all. (Not a vegetarian though). I ended up giving her beans on toast.

With my own children I don't let them be that picky - it's more a case of if you don't like it, leave it on the side of your plate. I don't offer a substitute but with other people's children it's more difficult.

OK rant over.

[hana]

I don't give much choice - they have what we're having or they don't! I try and check with the mum before hand just to make sure there is something! But even when I have they might still say no.....and I've just said to the parent that they didn't each much, but dont get specific with it
annoying I agree

[portonovo]

I just treat them as I do my own - with the exception that I wouldn't serve some of my more unusual meals.

I ask parents if there are any special dietary requirements (veggie etc), and if at that point someone said they don't eat x, y or z I would try to accommodate that within reason.

However, I don't see it as my job to cater to other people's fussy children. I would offer the meal and let them get on with it, or not, no pressure. And at the end of the meal I would always offer a variety of fruit, to give someone the chance to 'top up' if they wanted.

If they really didn't eat much, I would make sure I informed the parent later, so they had the chance to give them something else if they wanted to.

I did used to feel a little uneasy over children not eating much, but it's happened so often I'm afraid life's too short! We just get on with it and let the other parents sort it out!

[Spidermama]

I say 'don't you want your dinner? What a shame. Poor you. Never mind there's always bread and butter'.

Then I just let the parents know.

It drives me mad actually. It seems that 90% of the friends my kids bring home are picky eaters, or maybe it's my cooking. I try to do uncontraversial meals when we have people home, but I'm not willing to do processed stuff come what may.

[Greensleeves]

You bunch of shrewish old meanies

[Elasticwoman]

oh good I'm glad it's not just MY food other people's children reject. Funny thing is, some of these picky children have parents who are very civilised eaters who love and eat up everything I offer them.