Hi D.,
I've known lots of children who didn't prefer meat of any kind. I've also known many kids who come from vegetarian or vegan homes. There are hundreds of meals you can make that are geared more towards his preferences. Maybe he will grow out of it - maybe not. If it were me, to be quite honest, I believe in (to a certain extent) allowing my kids to be themselves and express themselves. They have to learn who they are somewhere - and the safest place is at home. I'd let him go with what he feels is right for him - if he changes later on, great, if not, thats great too.
Now about this refusing to eat business... We have a lot of this in our house. I make one meal. I don't make a peanut butter and jelly if SOMEONE decides he doesn't want the dinner I've had. However, Ihave come up with a few easy ways to compromise without him knowing I'm compromising.
Firstly - I make a few side dishes. Not specifically for them - ones that my husband and I like too... but ones I know they enjoy. Usually 2 or 3.
Then I make the main course, which in our house is usually meat of some kind.
SO, dinner is done... plenty is there that I'm sure they will eat. Here is the trick: we all make our own plates (obviously with help for my little guy) and they may choose what to have.
Have I made extra things just for one person? No.
Am I going to have to have a fight at the dinner table? Probably not.
Does everyone get to choose? Yes.
Now that being said, there are times when he doesn't want anything. No matter what I've fixed, he doesn't want anything.
And, as a matter of personal belief, his tummy may remain empty. But not because I've sent him away from the table, and not because I've fixed some crazy dish I know he probably won't like.
Its his own choice.
And I'll have to tell ya, he's only done it once. I made a great meal I knew all of us loved, he was in a stubborn mood and mad that I wouldn't let him continue to play with the sidewalk chalk outside - so when he sat down at the table he crossed his arms and refused everything.
#1 - THATS OKAY. He should be allowed to safely express how he feels at home, so long as it is appropriate according to you. (ex; you can be mad, but you may not throw a fit, you can pout but you may not punch the wall...)
#2 - He is not allowed to leave the table. He doesnt HAVE to eat - thats his choice. But he WILL sit with the rest of us and have family time at the table like everyone else. Just because he's willing to be the cranky one does NOT mean he gets to scamper off to his room and play with leggos.
#3 - Later on, when he's upset because he's hungry... don't rub it in his face. He will be upset and asking for food, and may even cry... and now is NOT the time to get a catty attitude and say things like "Well I guess you'll EAT next time huh??".... I calmy, and lovingly remind him how much I wanted to feed him a yummy supper, but he did not want any supper. And now supper time is done and the kitchen is closed. And I' so sorry baby but in the morning we will have breakfast.
He'll learn not to skip dinner without snide comments from Mommy.
Mine has never done it since. And you know- that next morning, the kid ate 3 eggs, two pieces of toast and a bowl of oatmeal.
Remember - you don't have to be a pushover, but don't be ugly!
Best of luck to you!