Do you know easy dinner ideas for a picky five year old?

Anybody got any easy dinner ideas for a picky five year old? It seems like if we go out of our way to make it "fun" he likes to eat dinner better, but he's very stubborn about trying new things. My older son is great, it's just the younger one we have problems with.

How do you get your fussy children to eat? Any tips you can share?

Try mixing things he doesnt like in with things he does like, that way he can taste what he likes but not the yucky stuff, you could also try pasta just cook a little up for him then add some cheese, couple vegies, and sausage I cant remember the name but its the one you eat with dips and crackers that redish looking one it tastes great and its quick.

My son was super picky until about 8 years old. For the most part I didn't press it. I also found not to just automaticall force certain vegetables down his throat. He has hated broccoli since birth and now at 11, he still hates it. But he likes brussel sprouts and other things, so I learned to really listen to what he likes and try different things. Corn, carrots, stuff like that. Now he'll actually sit down and eat a salad with mixed vegetables in it and like it.

Try starting to teach him how to cook, too. I taught my son mac and cheese at 5. Then grilled cheese. Then I started adding ham into the grilled cheese. THen tuna salad and egg salad. They are more curious to eat it if they had a hand in making it.

Dear thedude,
You know I couldn't resist this question LOL.
First off if he isn't getting the nutrition you think he should be add a child's vitamin for safe measure. Never force a child to eat things they don't like or are unsure of...they will associate eating with displeasure. Finding out why they won't try it is a big key...the texture, looks, colour. Or maybe the I don't knows. Colour...food colouring, texture...blending and adding cheeses and sauces, looks...cut, shape and take apart. The I don't knows are a little more tough and pairing it with loved foods help. The key is of course not to make meals stressful for the little guys...and never say not desert if you don't eat your food...Foods should never be used as rewards.
Sue...good luck

I hear about this problem so much with my friends, and read about in parenting magazines. It's everywhere and I can't understand how parents have picky eaters. Obviously, picky eaters are way more common than I ever realized. Out of my 4 children, NONE of them are picky. I don't know if I made them that way, or I am just very lucky. I love what Sue says about food not being a reward. Food should also not be used as a punishment and I cringe when I hear, "You will go to bed without dinner." I guess there isn't enough time in the day to spend making 3 meals fun all the time. It has been a kind of "no choice" type of deal around my house. I have never told my kids that they have to finish what is on their plate before a dessert. If there is to be a dessert, it comes right along with the meal. I have found that sometimes my kids will eat it first, but there are other times they choose to eat it last, without me saying anything. I am busy and when it comes to cooking, I am not a short-order cook. My kids are allowed to eat as much they want and I don't encourage a "clean plate" rather eat until you feel full. I wish I could give you more tips on this, but I just don't have a problem with pickiness and I must be very fortunate. The really ironic part is I AM a picky eater.

my 5 yr old brother likes chicken nuggets. and pepporoni pizzaa.

chopped hot dogs mixed into mac & cheese

You can take chicken breast slice dice cube roll in corn meal and fry ...Home made chicken nuggets that will be healthie than pre packaged.. add some corn and mac cheese...or take potatoes and use the mac and cheese sause on soft boiled diced pototoes! its healthy and good!