Suggestions on feeding lunch to different age groups

[Dreamalittledream]

At the start food was definitely my biggest challenge (picky eaters); but someone on here gave me very good advice: It's your job to OFFER a healthy, varied menu. I rarely have something at lunch that they will all eat in it's entirety (the snack stuff they all usually love, fruits, cheeses, crackers, yogurt, veggies, dip etc.). I first start with very small portions & add to if they're still hungry (I too have one that would throw/dump; I would feed him one thing at a time...as soon as something went on the floor would no longer give him anything). I also made the mistake of serving lots at morning snack...no wonder they weren't so interested in lunch. In my daycare (as is my philosophy with my own children) everyone gets the same, I simply tailor it to the stages (purée or chop it). My food rules, gently urge them to at least try a bite of something they think they don't like. If they do try a bite, BIG praise! I honestly have noticed a huge change in them, they will at least try a bite (and often eat it all!) before shaking their head. Trust me, if you start making different things for each, they will each want what the others have...big problems. And you know what, I too have had my picky eaters not eat a bite of lunch. I just don't stress over it (I'll usually throw a little extra afternoon snack on their plate). I also make sure and tell parents my food philosophy in interview. Another thing I have adapted with my children and my home daycare is that now I only serve water to drink at ALL times; they gets lots of dairy/fruit in their diet and this way they aren't filling up on fluids. Good luck to you!