5 year old and 4 year old just eating 4 meals in rotation!

[BabyJackson]

I'm worried about my kids only eating 4 different meals in rotation. I've tried to introduce other foods but they just go absolutely nuts and refuse to eat anything other than these 4 meals:

1. Spaghetti with tomato puree and very fine onions and herbs
2. Pasta with either tomato puree or just on its own
3. Chips, beans/peas/carrot and chicken nuggets
4. Pizza

I feel like a total failure as a mum because I can't get them to eat anything else. I feel totally alone in this situation as I don't have other mum friends and I'm embarrassed to talk about it anyway. They are so close in age (5 and 4) that they copy each other though my DD (5 year old) is more of the ring leader when it comes to refusing food, DS (4 year old) just copies her protests really.

Has anyone else been through something like this? How did you get them eating different foods?

When my children were younger I remember reading something about always putting a small portion of something on their plates they dislike along with what they like and eventually they will try it.
So for instance broccoli over 3 or 4 meals and they will hopefully try it. They may or may not like it but at least they have tried it. Or you could go a step further if they like cheese, sprinkle a bit on top to entice them.
I did this for all my 3 and they’re all pretty good eaters now, but of course they do still have their dislikes so I just adjust their meal.
It’s tough when they’re so little, but don’t beat yourself up I’m sure you’re doing your best.

We've just had a chat about adding cheese but she pulled a face. Now she has made her own suggestion of putting the broccoli into some mash potato for her to try! - a small win that has made me smile today.

This is a huge win! Take her lead and see what she comes up with. I found putting our food in the middle of the table to everyone to help themselves too worked well and DS was more likely to try different things. Don’t go wild, put chicken nuggets, chips, veg in different trays/ bowls then one bowl of something similar but different. It’ll be slow but she will be less anxious about eating.. and never play around with her accepted foods or you’ll risk them being dropped too.

I try to get my toddler involved with making the food sometimes. So if we’re having chips i let him pour them into the air fryer. Or if he’s having leftover bolognese for example, then he helps by putting it in the microwave. So maybe if you make mash you could let him he kids have a go at mashing?
Also, I serve him really tiny portions of a new dinner. Like basically two spoonfuls, so that it’s not overwhelming. And then put safe foods alongside it. Once they’ve had the new meal a couple of times increase the portion size a bit.