Child eats well at nursery, but not at home

[carrotcruncher81]

Hello,

I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced this.

My 14 month old has always been a good eater. Until recently he would eat a nice big breakfast and then generally a good amount through the day with minimal fuss.

He's had some back teething issues, but apart from the one day where he didn't eat much at nursery, he's eaten every meal and all of it whilst there.

The past few weeks when he's at home or with my parents he just doesn't eat a proper meal. He pretty much grazes throughout the day (I get he's not starving) but I'm not sure what's changed in him. He does still breast feed and I think because we are apart more than we've ever been, I feel like the bf may be a little bit of comfort/connection for him. Thankfully he does bf, otherwise I'd be more worried!

For example yesterday he just had bits of toast, few vegetable crisps, bit of a banana, some humous, but of bread and a fruit snack.

Like I said I'm sure he's fine, but I worry as without nursery he wouldn't be getting the nutrients he needs.

Is it because the routine is so strict at nursery he just follows exactly what everyone else is doing whereas at home, breakfast is the only meal that is consistently at the same time/place?

Many thanks!

[ModerationInEverything]

I'm a childminder and have come across this before. I think it is the routine which makes good eaters, set things at set times. If you don't eat it there no more food until the next set time. Obviously if they don't eat lunch you can bring afternoon snack time forward etc.

I think as a parent you worry about them being hungry and give them half a banana it whatever, but this can actually create an issue in the long run. As a childcare professional you know they won't starve and it's helping them to build a good relationship with food.

[Gliblet]

Could be a combination of routine, peer pressure (everyone else is eating, I will too), and not having more exciting options on hand (everyone is eating, there are no toys out and no-one to play with). DS used to be an absolute bugger to feed at home if we didn't sit down to meals together - he'd gladly go without lunch or dinner in order to do something more appealing. And with a toddler that could be poking sticks down a drain, tormenting the dog or watching it rain Especially as I would then worry he hadn't eaten enough and provide a snack if needed.

[popcorndiva]

Yep can be peer pressure as children like to copy others their age. My DS eats all manner of things he wouldn't touch at home at nursery.

But the majority of children like routine when it comes to meals, as like pp said they know then they can't get a snack 10 minutes later if they don't eat it.

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

Nursery won't be letting him graze all day so he will actually be hungry at mealtimes. It's the routine that makes a difference.

[carrotcruncher81]

Thank you everyone! So do you think I need to go back to being more consistent at meals times? I just find it tough at weekends as we're always out and about as he loves being outdoors and doing things, but I know it means he won't sit and eat properly as too much going on.

He's definitely not losing weight that's for sure, I think it's more the worry that I'm not doing the "right" thing when it comes to meal times at home. I don't want to create bad habits. He's not a fussy eater and will eat everything, but like I said it's more the amount, the consistency/routine and making sure he's getting enough of what he needs!