2 year old eating habits

[cjbaker]

My 2 year old son goes through phases where he dosn't hardly eat a thing.  He actually turns 2 in a few weeks.  My husband thinks that when he dosn't eat his dinner he shouldn't be allowed anything else.  This is a rule we have with our older children.  i think at 2 he is too young to understand this concept.  Should I let him snack on other foods if he hasn't eaten his meal?'

[cjbaker]

We will start trying this approach then.  Thank you for getting back to me.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Basically your husband's approach is sensible. To do otherwise is to invite him to refuse meals and not have the choice result in any impact. Mother Nature will handle the matter. He'll eat when he's hungry. It's really not that unusual for some children to display the behavior your son is showing. As long as he is developing well and is healthy, you needn't worry. Preare meals, serve them and you'll be OK. You don't have to be too concerned about whether he eats the meals or not.