When Your Child Won't Eat Dinner

3-5

Your child refuses to eat what's on their plate at dinnertime, pushes food away, or throws a fit about meals.

Reduce mealtime power struggles and create a calm, positive relationship with food.

"I see you don't feel like eating that right now. That's okay. You don't have to eat it, but this is what we're having tonight."

"You're not leaving the table until you finish." / "Fine, you can go hungry." / "Why are you so picky?"

Stay calm and remove pressure — don't negotiate, bribe, or force. Announce the meal once.

Offer one safe food alongside the new food. Keep portions small so it's less overwhelming.

End the meal without drama. Praise any attempt to try, however small.

Keep exposing them to new foods without pressure. It can take 15+ exposures for a child to accept a new food.

If your child is losing weight or has extreme food aversion, consult a pediatric dietitian.

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