Toddler dinners

[mumma2threeboys]

I need advice before I lose the plot!
My nearly 2 year old is awful at dinner times! Breakfast he is amazing, lunch amazing but dinner he just refuses. But it's only with me, he will eat for his dad, grand parents, friends! It's so hard as he won't eat so much but will for everyone else.
I've tried just giving him his plate and cutlery, if he eats it brilliant if not then I take it away and he gets nothing else but then he just won't eat. I've tried no snacks close to dinner. Im getting the impression it's 100% a power play but I don't know how to deal with it, it's been happening for months. I'm starting to dread dinner due to crying and screaming, whether it be he doesn't want to eat or his brother is having pudding and he wants it! Any help?

You are dealing with it. I think really well actually. Don't go down the route of alternatives but do try and make sure there's something on his plate that he likes. My 2.8yo is better now thanks to the same approach that you're following but we've been at it for nearly a year. She's still tracking on the 75th percentile. That being said last night was a first - threw dinner on floor and stood on her chair screaming. That was fun! Aren't they are delight.

Sounds like you're handling it really well.

Is there any chance he's just not hungry? If he doesn't eat does he complain of being hungry or wake in the night or anything?

I have one who has never eaten much dinner and I used to worry but now tgey are a little older I can see that compared to their sibling they eat a great breakfast and lunch. As long as over they day they get a good range of foods don't worry. Sounds like your approach is great.

They quite often go through stages like this, it will pass.

Have you tried giving it a bit earlier for a while? It might be that they don't need that much and a snack/light meal late afternoon is enough for the time being.

The thing to remember is that if they are hungry they will find a way to let you know, toddlers are very good at just eating what they need rather than clearing a plate for the sake of it. If they are otherwise happy assume they aren't that hungry.