It's normal for kids to be a bit fussy about what they eat – but it can also be a bit of a pain if they're refusing to eat the food you put in front of them! Especially if it means you end up making more than one meal every night.
Why not try these tips from parents all around Scotland to see if making food for dinosaurs will do the trick if your child won't eat?
Top tips to try at home
Tip 1: Try a picnic plate!
Tip 1: Try a picnic plate!
Tip 2: Tell them it's dinosaur food
Tip 2: Tell them it's dinosaur food
Tip #3: Sneak it into soups
Tip #3: Sneak it into soups
Tip #4: Make food into fun shapes
Tip #4: Make food into fun shapes
Tip #5: Let them pick their vegs
Tip #5: Let them pick their vegs
Tip #6: Get help with the shop
Tip #6: Get help with the shop
Tip #7: Make omelettes
Tip #7: Make omelettes
Tip #8: Give dishes fun names
Tip #8: Give dishes fun names
Tip #9: Get them cooking!
Tip #9: Get them cooking!
Tip #10: Side dishes
Tip #10: Side dishes
Tip #11: Follow the leader
Tip #11: Follow the leader
Tip #12: Cartoons are your friends
Tip #12: Cartoons are your friends
Tip #13: Play hide the veg
Tip #13: Play hide the veg
Tip #14: Keep it colourful
Tip #14: Keep it colourful
Tip #15: Break out the stickers
Tip #15: Break out the stickers
Tip #16: That's "my" salad
Tip #16: That's "my" salad
What should I do if I’m worried?
It can be frustrating if your child refuses most of the food you put in front of them, and you may start worrying that they’re not getting enough to eat, or that they’re not getting the nutrients they need. But it’s important to remember that fussy eating is a phase that many children go through, and they may well grow out of. So don’t give up suggesting different foods they could try.
If you’ve tried every trick in the book and you still don’t feel that your child is eating enough, or getting a varied enough diet, remember you can always talk to your health visitor or GP. They’ll be able to give you advice on your child’s weight and diet.