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Original poster

Feeding a 3 year old

29 replies

hannah2034 · 13/08/2026 08:27

Any advice for dinners? All mine will eat is Jack potatoes or pasta and I’m so sick of buying things, trying new dishes for them to go to waste because he says he doesn’t like it. Then he ends up having a bit of toast and a banana. I also need to consider what me and my husband will eat and I have a 4 month old so spending time cooking can be tricky. I’ve looked at toddler cook books but feel like all the suggestions are totally elaborate.

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Flailingaroundatlife · 15/08/2026 10:40

Yourethebeerthief · 13/08/2026 09:44

Cook what you want, put it in front of him, all sit down together and chat about your day, leave him to it.

This, 100%. Check out Katie Ferraro. She's all about weaning, but the idea is just to let them get on with it. Look at Ellyn Satter division of responsibility.

Some days my kids eat an entire plate of fish/curry/fancy meals, sometimes just a bite of rice. At this age, they know what they need. The key is also, don't let them snack! They literally don't need it.

Division of Responsibility | Ellyn Satter Institute

The Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR) is a proven approach for feeding children. It allows parents to learn their specific feeding jobs to promote a positive feeding relationship.

https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/division-of-responsibility/

Original poster
hannah2034 · 15/08/2026 11:19

Peonies12 · 15/08/2026 09:13

Why do you need 14 different meals? We repeat probably 5-7 meals with small variations. If he likes salmon then buy a 4 pack and freeze 1 portion, eat the rest. If it’s pasta, have a small portion yourself then a salad. Try a baked sweet potato if the others have a normal baked potato. If your DH is back at 5.30, eat at 6? Why would you eat earlier than that? Do an afternoon snack for your toddler if necessary but something like cucumber so not filling

Maybe I’m the fussy eater! I think 2 weeks of different dinners for variety, otherwise I get bored. Thanks for all the helpful practical advice though, I think it’s just something I need to find my groove with…

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Blueuggboots · 15/08/2026 11:24

What is your husband doing to help???

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Original poster
hannah2034 · 16/08/2026 07:25

Blueuggboots · 15/08/2026 11:24

What is your husband doing to help???

He does cook when he can but it’s too late by the time he gets in from work! But he’ll take over on the weekends.

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