Picky Eating doesn’t have to be forever

If you’re in the thick of picky eating battles, it can feel like you’ll be stuck forever making three different meals or begging your kiddo to take “just one bite.” But here’s the good news: picky eating doesn’t last forever, and there are things you can do that make it better over time.

The biggest shift? Take the pressure off. Kids are much more likely to try new foods when mealtime feels relaxed instead of like a standoff. Serving one “safe food” that your kiddo can fill up on alongside the rest of the meal helps everyone.

Exposure, exposure, exposure. You’ve heard me say it before: It can take lots of tries before a child even interacts a new food. That means offering tiny tastes, having your child help prep veggies, or just letting broccoli sit on their plate without the expectation to eat it all count as progress.

Cooking together, letting your child pick a fruit at the store, or even just talking about food in a positive way builds comfort. Don’t forget about the power of a story: read books together. (Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert is a favorite). Little steps really do add up.

Remember: picky eating is common, and for most kids, it does improve with time and patience. Keep showing up with love and consistency—you’re planting seeds for a healthy relationship with food down the road.

Snack Idea:

Homemade Trail Mix

(Ex: dry cereal, craisins, nuts, pretzels + chocolate chips)

Reach out at Karen@CoastalFamilyNutrition.com or call the office at 603-674-2479.

Please feel free to share this with someone who may like to learn more about feeding kiddos!