Tips for parents of picky eaters

A registered dietitian offers helpful approaches for parents of picky eaters (and how to prevent world war three from breaking out at the dinner table!)

[Jesivotchka]

To all of the parents out there, don't give up! Please keep trying. My kiddo has sensory issues and he used to eat anything given to him as a baby. Then around 3/4 he stopped and anything he didn't like would come right back up. Fast forward to now and he's almost 9. Is more and more interested in different foods, even reached into a big bowl of lettuce when I was making salad and tried it and liked it.

Of course, if something traumatic recently has happened, please seek therapy for the little one to help find the root cause of their food aversions, but if not, have patience. It can be really frustrating at times but as long as they're happy and healthy and know that they're loved, you're doing your job as a parent perfectly. 💜 Best of luck, everyone!

[marissabarresi]

Well my daughter is 3. Every time we have dinner she says eew and refuses to eat what is in front of her. She has never even eaten a green vegetable! But today when I went to daycare this morning they informed me that she’s the best eater they have! That she eats everything that they put in front of her and never complains! EVEN GREEN VEGETABLES! 😳 When she got home from daycare I asked her why she eats at day care and not at home and she says that because when she doesn’t eat her food we give her Cheerios and that’s what she wants! Kids are very honest! Lol I cracked the case! Basically if they know you are going to cave and give them what they want they r going to have the behavior to get the expected results! So needless to say once we realized her understanding of behavior and consequence she either eats what we put in front of her or doesn’t eat. It sounds cruel but after two or three days you’d be surprised how quickly they catch on! I removed all the cereal out of her reach and when she says eew now I take it away and say “no problem!” 2 minutes later she asks for her food back! It’ll take a couple of times but if they realize there is a follow through AND THERE SHOULD ALWAYS BE A FOLLOW THROUGH things change!

[_Vlogster]

Came across all the comments under this video and tears streaming down my face that it’s not me alone struggling with picky toddler 😢

[acornpetals]

I'm no parent, heck, I'm still a child myself, but what my mom did is she said "What do you want, we have (3-5 healthy foods)" Sometimes Id say I'm in the mood for something sweet, and she'd suggest things like cereal or waffles. It was really good because I got to choose, and I still ate healthy. Mom, you're a genius.

[montygemma]

Could try my dads approach when I was a kid. He would start by reminding me very loudly how many kids have not got nothing to eat, then call me a little swine, then give my dinner to the dog. It worked, in the end I ate what I was given. He was one of those people who grew up in the UK in WW2 and did go hungry at times, so hence this approach.

[mimirudoll]

I'm doing what my parents used to do. Mix veggies into their dishes and smoothies. My siblings and I never became picky. My mom made these delicious stuffed spinach pies with homemade bread and that was one of my favorite snacks as a little kid. Carrots became my favorite snacks too. It's all about introducing them in a fun way. My mom made shapes and made our food look fun to eat. Ants on a log. Remember that? Spread some nut or seed butter in a celery stick topped with raisins or any sweet dried fruit. So yummy! The only vegetable I couldn't get into was brussel sprouts. Even when she made it with bacon and cheese or tossed finely in a spring salad or roll, I was all "No." But I'll eat everything else.

[livininamerica]

Over time I’ve discovered that most, not all, kids are more likely to eat something or try something new if it’s cut into small and/or fun shapes. My 11 year old stepson has been the worst...he won’t touch a ham and cheese sandwich but if I use my little shape cutter sandwich maker he will eat a whole plate of them

[parker]

I thought my child would grow out of it but now he is nearly 9 and still only wants to eat bread it’s so frustrating 🤦🏻‍♀️

[honeyboo]

I offer mine different healty, normal, and none processed foods on a daily basis. I ordered a stamping kit for fruits and veggies to make it more appealing. But I actually stopped cooking for myself because of her eating habits. We do eat together because I believe it's important to share that time and maybe motivates her, to at least try something else. She gets constipated on a regular basis due to the lack of variety in her diet. I told her and still tell her regularly that she is lucky to have food since it's a luxury these days. She does not understand, of course, as a toddler of three, but it sometimes still vexes me. I already guessed it's a power play. Kids these days already have character, while we were just toddlers.

[samyoungblood]

Not true about introducing variety at toddler Ages-not only my own 3 children but every child I’ve watched grow up-Children eat about anything from babies to toddler-it’s just about 2.5-3 they start to make their own choices. Stuff my kids loved as infants an toddlers refuse to eat from 3-12, aging An becoming influenced by others, realizing their taste buds changed-they ate more variety.

[erickajuarez]

My son use to eat everything but then something happen and now he refuses to eat anything that isn’t bananas and oranges

[Loveduhmusic]

My mom made me not a picky eater by telling me "if you dont want to eat anything fine dont go in the kitchen and dont ask me for food when you are hungry". I did not eat much because I was picky but I eventually got hungry and just ate whatever. Yeah I threw a fit but my mom just said "I told you didn't I". Sometimes moms just have to step up and become the boss and not give in.

[aceabby]

When i were like 2 I was a very very very healthy eater, I am now 11 and I am a picky eater. I won't eat fruit or veg. However, what annoys me is that my friends find fruit and stuff like that delicious and then when I try it, it is disgusting.

[jennygreene]

My baby ate so many fruits and vegetables when she first started eating. I remember calling her a "food connoisseur" but then soon after she turned one she started being pickier. The cherry tomatoes she once lived, were now "yucky". She pretty much just likes breads, pasta, and cheese. She eats few fruits and likes starchy vegetables. I think it's partly our fault because we've become so busy we just cook what we know she will eat. She does like lentil soup though

[loganmason]

Mine eats the same foods: pizza, bread, yogurt, cheese, nuggets, eggs, some rice with soy sauce, some pediasure, and lots of chips and snacks skinny as a walking skeleton lol

[Vanessa-obhf]

I’m still a very picky eater to this day and I am 15. rip

[jax]

Yes I never force my kid to finish his food. He eats what he can. Today I am trying him out on hummus. He is a picky eater but he loves garlic in everything 😂 I hope that sways him

[lidiaperez]

I just find it irritating because I'm a picky eater and what people find delicious I find that it tastes very disgusting. To be honest a lot of the food/drinks I can't have because it hurts my throat/stomach, I get sick or continues throw up until there is nothing in my stomach.

[Susanluc]

It is quite simple in my house. My kids have the right to say they don't like what I have cooked, but they do not have the right to ask for something different. Eat what is there or don't eat at all until the next meal. No snacks as fillers either. I will never be a short order cook for my kids. There will always be plenty of variety and nutritious food for them, it is their choice to either eat it or not.

[Weirdgirlie]

My son is 2.5 years old and he is VERY picky and particular. He cycles through, Maltomeal, mashed potatos, and (I know, this is bad) ramen noodles as actual meals. And then for snacks he cycles through Ritz crackers, Pringles, light salt potato chips, and applesauce. It's quite frustrating and I don't know what to do. When we try to get him to try new foods, he screams and cries like we misused his trust. We can put something in his mouth and he'll automatically spit it out. Any help or tips would be MUCH appreciated.