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.