Dear parents of picky eaters,
Are you thinking of that look of disgust on your precious child’s face when you’ve spent an hour preparing a nutritious meal? I understand the frustration, disappointment, and worry that follows. First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this daily mealtime battle.
Picky eating isn’t a reflection of your parenting. Children develop food preferences for countless reasons—sensory sensitivities, a natural desire for control, or simply their developing taste buds. Your child isn’t trying to make your life difficult; they’re navigating their own relationship with food.
Remember that this phase, though seemingly endless, is temporary. The child who refuses anything green today might someday request seconds of broccoli. Progress happens in tiny steps—maybe they’ll touch the food first, then smell it, then finally take that miraculous tiny bite.
Celebrate these small victories. Did they try a new food, even if they immediately spit it out? That’s progress. Did they sit at the table without complaining? Victory! These moments matter.
Keep offering variety without pressure. Research shows children often need to be exposed to a food 15-20 times (maybe more!) before accepting it. Your persistence is planting seeds for healthier eating habits, even when immediate results are invisible.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Parenting is challenging enough without mealtime struggles. You’re doing your best to nourish your child’s body and relationship with food—that commitment alone makes you an excellent parent.
With patience and persistence,
Ali, a fellow traveler on the picky-eating journey
