What do you do when your child refuses to eat what you put in front of them?

[Writerwannabe83]

My DS is just about to turn three and he's always been a good little eater but over the last few months he seems to refuse anything unless it's out of a tin or out of the freezer.

I'm getting a bit fed up of preparing and cooking meals which he then refuses to eat. I've made spaghetti bolognese tonight and it's been in front of him for over 20 minutes and he hasn't touched it - he just keeps saying "I don't like it" or "I don't want it".

What do you do in these situations? I don't want to give in and get him something I know he will eat because then it's like he's won but nor do I want him going to bed without having had any dinner.

It's just exasperating.

I've remembered something else that helps me when mine goes through a fussy stage:

Two out of three ain't bad! Mine tend to have great breakfasts and good lunches...so if they then fuss at dinnertime then I remind myself they've had 2/3. Plus they always have fresh fruit and full fat yoghurt, and a vitamin, so they'll be fine.

Those of you with babies/very young Toddlers- have you tried giving the hot meal at lunchtime? Often I think they're too tired to eat a big, hot meal in the eve and would actually prefer toast or a sandwich then.