10 Tips to Deal With Picky Eaters

Even though in the past you loved to cook, now it’s the most dreaded time of the day. “What am I even cooking for?” you ask yourself as you look at your little Picky Eater.

I’ve been there too, Mommy. But don’t despair.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 Tipps to deal with Picky Eaters with grace.

Let’s dive right in.

1. Be Compassionate and Don’t Take Picky Eating Personally

Keep in the back of your mind that your child isn’t that long on planet Earth and their taste buds are still developing.

They need to adjust to the new food you’re offering them and that takes a little time.

Your toddler is naturally more attracted to sweet or salty flavors and is wary of bitter and sour flavors. This preference is nature’s gift to protect the human race from eating something potentially unsafe.

Don’t take that natural response to certain foods personally.

Be patient and soon your child will come to love Mom’s cooking.

2. Double Down on Healthy Foods Your Picky Eater Loves

Time to watch your toddler closely. 

What healthy foods does your child love? Cucumber? Strawberries? Apples?

Keep that food in your house at all times.

You provide your toddler with nutrients and you know there is always something healthy available when hunger strikes.

3. Try New Recipes

Use 2 of the foods your child likes and combine them with something new. 

If you don’t feel inspiration hit you instantly, just use the internet and type in 

“Easy Lunch ideas with XYZ” 

Don’t forget to include “easy”.

You don’t want to waste your precious time cooking something that takes hours, only to see it splattered on the floor.

I know optimism is good, but we need to be realistic.

There is always a 50 – 50 Chance.

Either mouth or floor. (Don’t ask me how I know.)

4. Cook Together With Your Picky Eater

To spark curiosity about new foods, I often invite my 2-year-old to cook with me. 

Let your toddler sit on your kitchen counter (but never leave them alone) and let them watch you rinse veggies and cut them up.

I often make it a game, that I “don’t” want my son to eat a certain food (like a bell pepper), then he “steals” a piece from my cutting board and puts it in his mouth – loving to watch my reaction and giggling when I round my eyes in exaggerated shock. 

Those peaceful moments are also memories I draw energy from when I feel exhausted.

5. Give Your Toddler Time

When you’re introducing new foods to your Picky Eater, take your time.

You save yourself from a lot of frustration when you don’t try to squeeze in lunch between two appointments.

Give your Picky Eater time to look at and feel the new food you’re offering them.

When your child experiences this new food with all of their senses, you have a chance that they take a little nibble.

6. Use Small Portion Sizes

It isn’t that daunting to try one piece of broccoli when your toddler only has one on his plate. 

Use that method with every new food you’re introducing to your child.

You won’t overwhelm your toddler and you won’t feel the guilt of wasting precious food. Or eating it, even though you’re full.

7. Lead by Example

Avoid extra cooking for your toddler. Put the same foods on their plate that you have on yours.

Why?

Because your toddler is watching you.

Eat the food you’re introducing to your child and then explain what it is and how it tastes. 

When they see Mommy and Daddy eating the food they don’t know yet, they might become interested in it.

After all, you are a role model to your child.

8. Don’t Give up Introducing New Food to Your Picky Eater

When it comes to Picky Eating, Patience is a Virtue. 

It takes at least 10 times for your Picky Eater to find out if they like a certain food or not.

Remember the time you introduced your Newborn to solids? The same kind of Patience is needed right now.

Don’t force broccoli on your toddler’s plate every single day. But if you want them to try broccoli, put it more often on your meal plan.

9. Don’t Bribe Your Toddler

I know it’s hard to deal with Picky Eating sometimes.

It’s tempting, but don’t say things like “If you take a bite of this broccoli, you get a piece of chocolate.”

It should be their curiosity that leads Picky Eaters to try a new food. 

If your toddler doesn’t feel like it, shrug it off.

There is always another chance.

10. Compliment Your Picky Eater

When your toddler puts a new food in their mouth, shower them with compliments.

(And give yourself a high five!)

It’s not easy for Picky Eaters to overcome their reservation about new food, but they are giving it a try.

It’s a big deal and you can be proud of your toddler, Mama.

I hope you liked my list of 10 Tipps to deal with Picky Eaters.

Let me sum it up for you:

1. Be Compassionate And Don’t Take Picky Eating Personally
2. Double Down on Healthy Foods Your Picky Eater Loves
3. Try New Recipes
4. Cook Together With Your Picky Eater
5. Give Your Toddler Time
6. Use Small Portion Sizes
7. Lead By Example
8. Don’t Give up Introducing New Food to Your Picky Eater
9. Don’t Bribe Your Toddler
10. Compliment Your Picky Eater

Did this Post help you? Let me know in the Comments and don’t forget to check out my other Blog Posts.