Comments on: My Child Is a Picky Eater (And I’m Okay With That)

By: Nikki@GrowingUpMom

Nikki@GrowingUpMom — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:48:51 +0000

At our house, once my oldest turned three, we had a “three bit” rule. She had to try three bites, and if she didn’t like it that was fine. I had the opposite issue as a kid, I wasn’t made to try anything and it took me until I met my husband to really try new foods. I don’t want my daughter to ignore foods just because of look or smell, but I don’t want to make her like anything either. I find this a nice balance without too much fighting. I learned this from a friends mom, because as she said if kids don’t wait to eat something they are automatically not going to like the first bite, it takes two more bites for them to make a real answer from them. I was surprises as to how many things my daughter ended up liking after the third bite. Different strokes, I guess. Also, I find that relating food items to something she already likes helps a lot too. She loves “chicken fingers” (fish sticks) and “mexican grilled cheese” (quesadillas). This works for us,but I know there are some folks it doesn’t work for and that is fine too.

By: Creative Mama Renee

Creative Mama Renee — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:53:58 +0000

My kids all have their likes and dislikes. If I was to accommodate all of their requests, we would be eating the same three things every night. Instead I try to create a balanced meal plan each week with a variety of foods, and they get served a small portion of everything (even the things they turn their nose up at).

They are never forced to “try a bite” but its always nice when they do!

By: Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:48:19 +0000

I was a picky eater as a kid and still can be! I am pretty laid back about my kids and their eating….it isn’t worth the fight in my opinion! I have come around and eat a lot more food items than I used too!

By: Betsy

Betsy — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 11:36:51 +0000

My son is a picky eater or he is what I like to call someone who knows what he likes. I don’t make a big deal about it. I try to make sure that every meal has at least one thing that he likes and I encourage him to try some of the other items but if he doesn’t, then he doesn’t. I remember being picky when I was a kid too and everything worked out just fine.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 03:02:50 +0000

Thank you! I think people really worry way too much about what they’re kids eat. I’m like you, but for me, it was lima beans – and I’m 50 now, still can’t stand them! Perhaps if I hadn’t been forced to eat them until I gagged, I’d have learned to like them later – who knows?

I encourage my boys to try foods they don’t like. My 16 year old is surprised by how he likes things now that he didn’t like when he was smaller. Just last night he was eating chicken with bbq sauce, and said “Remember when I was little and I didn’t like BBQ? What was wrong with me??”

Basically, it’s like you said – if your child is healthy, if they’re getting enough nutrients, stop turning mealtime into a battle! They’re tastes will change over time and if you force things now, you could be creating issues where there really aren’t any.

By: Kori Tomelden

Kori Tomelden — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:18:05 +0000

You know what though, as long as he’s getting the right amount of nutrients- who cares! My 16 month old isn’t too picky yet. Her favorite food, as of one month ago, is spinach. But that doesn’t surprise me because it’s one of my favorite foods too.

By: Natasha @ Anxious Toddlers

Natasha @ Anxious Toddlers — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 23:58:55 +0000

Love this article! It is so true – children, especially young children have their particular preferences and if we turn it into a control battle – they are less likely to EVER touch what you wanted them to eat. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

By: Donella Crigger

Donella Crigger — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:44:31 +0000

In reply to Kim. My son won't eat casseroles, either. Basically, anything that combines foods is off his list at the moment.

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:36:57 +0000

You are right! I always say, “what is your definition of picky” when asked if my kids are picky. My oldest son dose not like and will not eat casseroles, but loves salads, shrimp, and salmon. He prefers not to eat anything with ground beef, but will with lots of encouragement. He eats a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but only very small bites of broccoli.