4 year old won't eat!

[edinburghlocal]

My 4 year old daughter has a very limited diet....mainly survives on maccaroni cheese and satsuma's! She is very headstrong and will not try anything new. Although she did used to have a more varied diet she has progressively refused all meals except mac cheese. Dinner time is always stressful. We have tried everything we can think of.....getting her to help make dinner, reward charts, giving a choice of two different meals. Breakfast and lunch usually ok, although also limited...porridge and cheese sandwhiches. Any suggestions would be gratefully recieved!

you may want to put this somewhere other than mumsnet live webchats!

my first advice would be to try to stop stressing. This is how eating becomes a battleground. I would definitely keep on introducing new foods, just one each mealtime and see how she goes. I have read that it takes an average of 17 attempts at offering a new food before it is accepted and that, of course, many parents give up long before this. I also find that my own dcs become less finicky as they get older. Things they wouldn't consider like meat and eggs are a regular part of the repertoire now. if you are really worried, see your HV, although they will probably suggest all the things you are already trying, they will know if and when you should be referred to a specialist.

Otherwise, how is your dd generally? is she a good height and weight. does she sleep well and concentrate well?

Thanks, I know stressing is the worst thing but also have 3 month old and think lack of sleep is making this worse for me to cope with. Her health is generally fine, sleep and concentration ok too - although she is tired all the time (despite getting 12 hours a night) which can affect her behaviour. Will keep in mind the 17 attempts!!