2yo refusing to eat at home

[Pen89ox]

I’m just wondering if anyone else’s toddler has gone through a bit of a ‘hunger strike’ ish type thing at around 2.5yo, he was a great eater when we started weaning but after 1st birthday his appetite has been up and down a lot however he was breastfed up until last month so I always knew he was getting some nutrients in him and a full belly before bed.

We’ve stopped breastfeeding now and I thought his appetite might increase but if anything I feel like it’s reduced, however he eats tons at nursery or if he’s being looked after other family members, it’s like he exclusively doesn’t eat at home or if he’s out with me/his dad. We never make a big deal about eating or not eating, we sit around the table together and chat, we’ve tried tv off and on but doesn’t seem to matter. He’s always loved fruit but even that seems hit and miss at the moment.

I’m just unsure where to go from here or if I should do anything at all, he’s happy and healthy and growing so I’m not worried in that sense but more I just want to do the right thing now as I feel we’re at a critical point for future ‘fussy’ eating. We’ve always eaten the same thing pretty much and that’s how I’d love it to stay, I think if I gave him a plate of chips each night he’d probably eat them but I really do not want to go down that route as I saw that happen to younger siblings who still only eat about 6 different foods way into their twenties as they were just given whatever the wanted as toddlers. Not sure if I’m overthinking but just unsure what to do next.

Keep offering proper meals. If he doesn't eat it, fine he can go and play. But don't give him snacks to tide him over. If he asks for food, "oh, you're hungry? I have your dinner here in the fridge!"

Picnics in the garden? When I had 2 under 2 they had their meals in a lunchbox for a while. Hot meal at the table in a box!
The things we do!

I think this is just a phase they go through at this age. My 2 year old is the exact same and if I remember correctly my eldest was the same at this age. Some days he will eat loads, but then other days, barely anything at all. If he's having a day where he's not eaten much, I try to give him something for dinner that I know he will eat at least a majority of it, even if it's pizza or chicken nuggets, at least he's eaten something. He's quite skinny so I did worry at first, but he's not waking in the night or anything so the way I see it, is that he would eat if he was hungry so I just leave him to it tbh.

If he eats for anyone but you it’s because you are ‘fussing’, no matter how much you hide it. Getting all mummy’s attention is great! Try the usual, plate the food up, eat yours up in a slow pace while talking about your day, then ask if everyone has finished and clear it away.