To think this is a perfectly acceptable diet for a toddler?

[SuddenBeetE]

Apologies for a fairly dull AIBU..

My DS4 is about to turn 3. He can be a bit ‘ ‘not a chance mate’ over some foods, but I think generally eats well.

My SIL (who has 2 DC, 5 and 2) is obsessed with him being a ‘fussy eater.’ She literally mentions it every time we see her, asks how his eating is, what I’m going to do, what he ate that day. It’s fucking infuriating, tbh. I can’t actually eat a meal or meet for coffee/cake with her because she constantly tries to bribe and cajole DS into eating something new, or clearing his plate. She’s almost gleeful if he doesn’t like something. My older DSs eat everything, but they’re teens now.

I do like my SIL, we’re not particularly close but do meet up fairly regularly with the kids as they’re close in age and get along. I’ve tried to just ignore or redirect the conversation to no avail.

This is what my DS ate today, for example.

B- 2 weetabix, a banana
S- an apple, few cracker biscuits at playgroup
L- poached egg on toast, peas, melon slice
D- veggie bean chilli (carrots, peppers in), 1/2 jacket spud, cheese, chocolate hob nob

AIBU to think this is pretty average for toddlers, honestly?

Sounds like a great diet for a little one! Ignore her!

All little ones can be fussy to a greater or lesser extent. My 2-year-old twins are the perfect example. The boy pretty much hoovers anything. The girly is fussier. The other day she turned up her nose at cheese on toast, despite having always loved it.
I offered them both a falafel the other day... The boy just ate it, the girl refused, because she thought it looked like cake, and was disappointed when it wasn't!

She would have a field day with my nephew who existed solely on hula hoops and chicken dippers for about 6 months

Ignore her or confront her. His diet is fine and for a toddler it's brilliant. Most feign a fruit/vegetable allergy in my experience!

Ok. Play at the sand pit park this morning and then an early lunch..

DS had a mini sausage roll, mini tuna mayo roll, apple slices and 1/2 of my carrot cake. Left his cucumber/carrot sticks.

SIL- ‘oh he really has a sweet tooth doesn’t he, don’t you make him eat all his lunch 1st?’

Me- ‘nope, I don’t really mind, he’s fine. Look stop mentioning what he eats please I don’t want him to pick up on it, he’s really not fussy at all.’

SIL- ‘sorry I obviously touched a nerve, there’s nothing wrong with having a fussy eater.’

Me- ‘I know, I don’t really care either way though honestly! Let’s leave it at that anyway, tell me about xyz instead!’

SIL- ‘well I was only saying, I make mine finish what’s on the plate 1st before I give them a treat.’

Me- ‘I don’t. It’s working for us so please don’t worry!’

Major levels of awkward. Like ffs let it go! My MIL rang DH tonight to complain that I’ve upset SIL telling her off when ‘she was only trying to help, DS is a bit picky with his vegetables isn’t he.’ DH told her in no uncertain terms to not get involved, we’ll not be forcing DS to eat anything or making any issues around food.

Massive glass of wine for me tonight. I’m cringing reliving it.

I can get my 20 month old to eat: fruit, cereal, cheese, toast, yoghurt and the occasional hot meal like beans and fish fingers. Yours is eating like a king compared to mine!

Someone might have a suggestion as to what you could say to your SIL because I'd struggle with not telling her to fuck the fuck off.

Christ sorry just seen your latest update. She needs to chill out omg ! Forcing kids to finish plates of food is how eating disorders begin. How would I know? Personal experience !!!

Try this
“DSIL I’ve found a great group for you on Facebook. It’s called rate my plate. If you wouldn’t mind keeping your comments to there as I would like DS to grow up with a healthy attitude to food.”

I'd err towards the passive aggressive and say ' SIL, do you think you have food issues?" In a faux sympathetic way 😆

I'd refuse to eat with her. Or be mean and cook her something she doesn't like next time she's round then comment about how fish she is and how she must clear her plate.