When is fussy eating something that needs help

[Fredthefrog]

I have a child who's is 5 and is a really fussy eater. He eats a decent breakfast but dinners are impossible. The only protein he will eat are fish fingers and occasional burger. He only eats white bread/ crakers. No veg and a little fruit (grapes and apple but only if i cajole) Dinners are depressing and stressful. I know he wouldn't get support via the NHS as it is just fussy not arfid but would it be worth trying to find someone privately? I've tried some if the tricks like low demand etc. But seems to be getting worse.

I think you should start with your GP

DS2 has always been fussy and when I asked the HV she said it was only a problem if he didn't eat something from all the major food groups (he does, he just likes everything plain, and will eat all fruit but only carrots and cucumber)

I think I would go to the GP, or the school nurse (in our city the school nurse does drops ins in all the primary schools roughly once a month).

My child was always a fussy eater with a small appetite.

I tried all sorts of things to work around it. The most successful was when she was waiting for her dinner, (so a little bit hungry), I would give her snacky bits to ‘be going on with’.

The snacky bits were inevitably chopped up cucumber, red pepper, grated carrot or chopped apple. These were the only fruits/veg she would eat. I started thinking about her meals in terms of protein, carbs and veg - rather than recipes. I’m sure she had some odd combinations but she usually managed to eat the major food groups.

I was worried she just wasn’t eating enough, but she was never skinny and had plenty of energy.

Shes an adult now with a wide and healthy appetite.