And the tantrums continue....

[Kazzo]

My suggestion would be to not let her make it a battle anymore. How does she eat during the day? Does she get a good variety? Could you turn lunch into her main meal of the day?
DD2 eats really well during the day but some days just wants a vegemite sandwhich or toast for dinner. I think we forget kids are like us and some are not as hungry at dinner time. I know I prefer a bigger lunch and small dinner.
My DS is 22months and very involved in dinner choices and preperation. It sounds like a hassle but it actually makes it easier. It gets him excited to eat. Some nights he even sits with me with a handfull of diced frozen veggies while I cook.
Sometimes the best option is to change ourselves and our expectations instead of always expecting it from our little ones. They do grow out of it but battling until they happens will take it out of you. Never give up trying different ways or things.

[vic261]

I feel your pain. I too have had the after daycare tantrums and its sad to pick up DS who has been perfect all day only to crack it even before getting out the door Then the ride home can be challenging!!!

What is working for me (ATM) is getting the daycare ladies to leave a late snack in his bag and when I get there getting him to do the bag, lunch bag, drink bottle, communication book, hat collection. I found if he has tasks he is less likely to crack it. Then in the car I give him the snack left from the day. When we get home I let him help me prepare dinner. He has steps and can see what I am doing and help me count things and talk about colours etc. I get DS to source things for me. I find asking him to get things for me (after teaching him everyday items) keeps him from just pulling random things out the cupboard and it helps his sense of achievement. After prepping dinner he is usually over being in the kitchen and is happy to wander and check out his room or I put Mickey Mouse on while I actually cook.

Does he eat dinner? Most nights he does but some days he is too full and just doesn't want to eat. Especially on the days he has daycare and the give him a filling afternoon snack around 3.30pm. Sometimes they give him pasta which is really filling and I know on those days he is just not going to eat. I still try and if he is not into it I just let him get down.

We have dinner at 5.30pm as I found waiting any longer was in the witching hour and I found it really stressful to prepare dinner.

Could the daycare staff give her dinner? I am not sure what time you pick her up. I know a lot of bubs at our daycare have dinner there. They are pack creatures and all like to eat together

Or can DH bath her while you make dinner? Good for all three of you

On the nights DS does not eat I used to worry, but now I figure he is not going to starve himself and he definitely lets me know when he is hungry. Totally frustrating when dinner is over and the kitchen is cleaned and NOW he is hungry

I also find Thursdays are not good at our house. After 4 days in care he is over it and can be tricky. I have now learned that he is just missing me and needs more connection. So usually Thursday when we get home from daycare we head straight to his room and read his favourite book. He sits on my lap and I rub his back and run my fingers through his hair and just cuddle him heaps. He only needs 10 to 15 minutes but its enough to "fill up his love tank". Then he is happy to get on with other things leaving me to do the dinner run.

Your not alone in your struggle x

[~clover~]

What do you give her for dinner? A close friend of mine still gives her 6 year old salad or fruit salad most nights of the week. He won't eat dinner type meals & it's not unhealthy, so better than nothing.

If she's having meals for lunch, I'd try lighter foods for dinner. Fruit & yoghurt or similar.

I'm not into making a fuss at dinner time though. Not one of my kids like to eat the same things on their dinner plate each night, but as long as what they do eat isn't junk, then I'm not overly worried about it. I don't give DS potatoes, because he's never, since he was a baby, eaten potato - unless it's oven fried. He's mostly meat, fish, fruit & some salady stuff. DD2 is more meat & pasta's, so I try keep to whole meal pasta's & bread etc. DD1 is a fruit, salad, vegie kid. But not fussed on mixed meals (stir fry/spag bol), DD3 pretty much eats it all lol. She's awesome when it comes to dinner time!

[Marley&Me]

If she is having a 'meal' for lunch, maybe just give her a 'tasting plate' for dinner, little bit of carb, little bit of veg/fruit, little bit of meat, then she can have some control over what she eats. Alternatively, just do what I do when I am desperate and give her a bowl of plain pasta lol

Yes Saffy in her daycare book it's always a dinner style meal for lunch. I'm pretty sure this is why she is fussy!

How does she eat during the day? Does she get a good variety? Could you turn lunch into her main meal of the day?
DD2 eats really well during the day but some days just wants a vegemite sandwhich or toast for dinner. I think we forget kids are like us and some are not as hungry at dinner time. I know I prefer a bigger lunch and small dinner.
My DS is 22months and very involved in dinner choices and preperation. It sounds like a hassle but it actually makes it easier. It gets him excited to eat. Some nights he even sits with me with a handfull of diced frozen veggies while I cook.
.

Our baby gate stops her from entering the kitchen. I haven't got around to putting locks on the cupboards AND she can reach the stove knobs. Plus my bin is out cos it doesn't fit in any cupboards. I am really not comfortable having her in the kitchen for too long. After about 5 minutes she gets bored and starts touching stuff

I feel your pain. I too have had the after daycare tantrums and its sad to pick up DS who has been perfect all day only to crack it even before getting out the door Then the ride home can be challenging!!!

YES!! As said above, it's hard to get her involved with the cooking because she's too cheeky. She knows what she's not allowed to touch and goes for it But I totally agree with spending the one on one time before you start doing anything else. She does the same. But it's hard when you feel so rushed on work nights.

What do you give her for dinner?

I used to cook, but now I just give her whatever. I have frozen meals (vege mash, spag bog) but usually just do toasted sandwich, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, biscuits etc. I am finding she just wants a bit of everything most nights. So that's easier cos then she doesn't have to wait for me to actually cook dinner!


Thanks everyone. I am getting my mind away from a big meal for dinner and it's helping. Tonight I made mushroom pasta for myself and she ate some too which was a bonus