Why won’t my fussy child eat dinner?

Your child happily eats breakfasts, snacks, and a bit of lunch. Then when it’s time for dinner, the mouth clamps shut, the whining starts and once again you are left feeling stressed, frustrated, and panicking that they are:

i) Not getting the nutrients they need

ii) Hungry when they should be full

iii) Perhaps not going to sleep through the night as they are hungry

iv) Never going to eat what you eat

Or perhaps the nightmare starts way earlier. You wake in the morning and your first thought is “what am I going to give Sam for dinner?”. Or Jess is in your room wearing her already disappointed face demanding to know what you’re serving tonight.

If this is you, do not despair, and do not feel like you are alone either. Most parents find dinners the biggest challenge. Let’s unpack why and then look for some workable solutions!

Why a fussy child won’t eat dinner

There are some very simple factors that make dinners more of a challenge than other meals. Understanding what they are also may provide some solutions.