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Original poster

Vegetarian toddler very picky

112 replies

Teaandwater · 09/02/2026 15:00

I am currently childming a little boy who is 18 months, minding him 6 months. His parents are bringing him up vegetarian. Over the last month he has literally refused any dinner I have made, some of which where his favourites. I make everything from scratch and really make sure the meals I am cooking are nutritious and healthy.

I do a lot of batch cooking so freezer is full of his meals that he now refuses to eat. I have told Dad at pick ups that he has not eaten his dinner and he always seems a bit shocked even though he has regularly told me that they find it hard to get him to eat vegetables in their house.

I've actually started to dread dinnertime as I know he will refuse to eat I'm throwing so much food in the bin.

Any advice on what I should do?

OP posts:
Coffeeishot · 09/02/2026 15:09

Is he your only kid ? Couldn't you give the meals to other children i would stop batch cooking till it is resolved.

Imreallyokayipromise · 09/02/2026 15:08

Obviously you’ve spoken to the parents and they’ve confirmed he does eat the same food at home? If so, He’s not your child so I wouldn’t worry too much, let the parents worry. I’d just continue to offer and it’s up to him if he eats it or not.

Dliplop · 09/02/2026 15:07

Right now my kids get a lot of nutrition in from mango lassi or strawberry smoothies with seeds. They go up and down for fussiness

Coffeeishot · 09/02/2026 15:06

NuffSaidSam · 09/02/2026 15:04

Ask the parents for a list of things he will definitely eat and offer a mix of the things you offer and the things he will eat. He needs to keep being exposed to the new foods, but offer it alongside something that he will eat so that he isn't hungry. Don't bribe, cajole or punish. Don't let any stress creep in.

Yes this.

Coffeeishot · 09/02/2026 15:05

It is quite common toddlers that age to .start being "fussy" give him food he will eat, finger food maybe eggs, cheese fruit, and don't fuss over it, surely as a childminder you have come across "fussy eating".

NuffSaidSam · 09/02/2026 15:04

Ask the parents for a list of things he will definitely eat and offer a mix of the things you offer and the things he will eat. He needs to keep being exposed to the new foods, but offer it alongside something that he will eat so that he isn't hungry. Don't bribe, cajole or punish. Don't let any stress creep in.

propercoppercoffeepot · 09/02/2026 15:03

Get them to pack a lunch or something for you to cook.

ShawnaMacallister · 09/02/2026 15:02

Kittylala · 09/02/2026 15:02

Maybe add meat. At least he will have had a healthy meal x

What a stupid comment. She's being paid to care for this child, you think she can just give him meat? Jesus wept.

ShawnaMacallister · 09/02/2026 15:02

Simplify? Toast, egg, cheese, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes/whatever he eats, apple. Covers all the food groups and minimises waste.

MrsTerryPratchett · 09/02/2026 15:02

Can they stock your freezer with a few things? See if he eats things that are the same. That way you'll know if it's the food or something else.

Kittylala · 09/02/2026 15:02

Maybe add meat. At least he will have had a healthy meal x

BlueJuniper94 · 09/02/2026 15:01

Ask parents what he likes to eat? You need to talk to the parents!