If you have a selective eater at home, you might relate to my experience. My daughter is quite adventurous with food, but my 4-year-old son seems to invent a new excuse each day for not wanting to eat. To quote a classic film, “My son crafts his reasons for avoiding dinner the same way an artist creates with oils or clay. He’s truly an expert.” Here are 39 reasons why my son won’t eat dinner. What unique excuses have your kids shared?
- I don’t want a toddler spoon.
- This spoon is too large.
- Mommy’s cooking is better.
- Oranges are frightening.
- Pasta is terrifying.
- I want a grown-up cup.
- I spilled my drink!
- Water is scary.
- Daddy’s food tastes better.
- Cantaloupe makes my lips feel funny.
- This plain pasta with butter is too spicy.
- I’m worn out; can I be finished?
- I only eat blue carrots.
- I’m not tired anymore; I just want dessert!
- I’m not hungry for dinner; can I have a snack instead?
- I don’t like salad (if there’s even a trace of green on his plate).
- Oops! The dog devoured my dinner!
- I gave the dog my fruit; he seemed hungry.
- I spilled my food on the floor; it looked hungry.
- She looked at me funny.
- He stared at me.
- It’s too cold.
- It’s too hot.
- The dog was looking at me.
- I don’t like yellow scrambled eggs.
- My sister touched me.
- My sister won’t sit beside me.
- I’m a chocolatarian; I only eat chocolate (I’m sure this will come soon).
- I want strawberries.
- I don’t like “THOSE” strawberries.
- What are you cooking? Whatever it is, I’m not a fan.
- Can I have milk in my cereal?
- Why did you put milk in my cereal?
- How come she gets more? I want more… but I’m full; I don’t want my food.
- I liked tomatoes yesterday, not today.
- I don’t like this plate.
- I only want the one bowl that’s currently missing.
- I just want cherries! (This was said a day after he claimed he’d rather be in solitary confinement than eat a cherry.)
- This food almost touched another food. Now the whole plate is ruined.
This post was initially published on The Lunchbox Dad. For more insights on family topics, visit this blog post. If you’re navigating the journey of pregnancy, you might find this resource valuable. Additionally, you can read about Sarah Jamie’s journey for more support.
In summary, dealing with a picky eater can be a daily challenge filled with creativity and humor. Every excuse is a testament to the unique personalities of our children, reminding us that mealtime is about more than just food; it’s about family, laughter, and the occasional eye roll.