Originally Posted by
playfelt
You might try not letting her leave the table. Being able to be excused to go play is often too much incentive for kids and then they realize too late they are still hungry. If they have to sit and stare at the food there is a good chance they will actually eat more of it and especially when the child next to them finishes their meal and then receives dessert - applesauce and cookie.
As far as just being picky - food jags are normal with 3 year olds but in daycare they have to eat the meal that is served. It is ok to acknowledge that you know they would rather be eating nutella or grilled cheese for the third day in a row but that variety of foods is important and that today the meal will be lasagna. Then they can eat it, stare at it, whatever. I dont' even play the three bites game. I just serve it and retreat. I have found not making eye contact with the child during the meal actually helps a lot and the kids eat a lot more if I make myself busy and not available for a confrontation. There is no battle if there is no opponent. I check emails.