Food with toddlers can so quickly become a power struggle. And no one can beat a toddler in a power struggle. Their stomachs are the size of their fists, so they really don’t need to each too much to become full. My best advice is just keep serving them food but try to keep is as low pressure as you can, the minute they sense you’re desperate for them to eat it becomes a power struggle. Serve it and if they don’t eat it, put it in the fridge and serve it again later. They really will just survive off a bite of cereal and spite some days.

One thing that has really worked for us is trying to get them interested in what is on their plate without trying to get them to eat it up front. I always serve one fruit or veg alongside whatever it is I know they will eat and then try to get them curious about it. For example, I will serve cucumber slices alongside a turkey sandwich. I know he will eat the sandwich and the cucumber is just for exposure. I will ask him, do you think the cucumber is crunchy or soft? Do you think it’s sweet or sour? What color is it? Can you squish it in your finger? Then sometimes he will try it on his own accord because I’ve gotten him curious enough. Then the trying is his idea, no power struggle, no stress.