My 2.5 yr old doesn't associate hunger with eating

[talulahbeige]

I'm really struggling with my 2.5yr old. She'd never been a great eater but now her communication is developing its come to light that she's hungry but just doesn't eat and I think it's because she's not associating hunger with food.

I'll put her dinner in front of her and she'll pick, even if it's foods I know she will eat and likes. I don't give her something else if she rejects the first meal and there is no nice things if she doesn't eat a decent (for her) meal. But she is then complaining that her tummy hurts because she's hungry.

How do I make her understand the cause and effect??

Do you eat together?

We do .
One of us is always sat with her for meals, usually were eating with her but she has her tea at 4.30 so we don't physically eat that meal together.
She also gas a couple of meals at nursery where she eats with her freinds

Lots of two year olds will go through that phase but I think that the more she sees you enjoying your food and saying how good it makes you feel will help. Let her 'participate' to making the meal, choose her plate and choose fork, make stories about her food, give her some control over the situation. She is probably testing boundaries. I often offer choices such as would you like broccoli or peas, pasta or rice, etc. It makes them feel more in control. I am a childminder and have seen many children going through that phase!

Thanks for your reply.
We do offer a couple of choices for most things