
05/27/2025
Selective Eater? Let’s make mealtimes feel better—for everyone. 🍽️✨
It’s not about tricks or pressure—it’s about helping kids feel safe and curious around food. Here’s why these “Do This, Not That” strategies work:
🔁 Offer safe foods alongside new foods
Kids feel more comfortable when something familiar is on their plate. This builds trust and makes it easier to consider trying something new—without feeling overwhelmed.
🚫 Don’t force them to eat or clear their plate
Pressure shuts down curiosity. Forcing a bite may lead to power struggles or even long-term food aversions.
👃👀🖐 Encourage food exploration with all senses
Smelling, touching, and looking at a new food are important steps toward tasting. Every interaction counts—even if they don’t take a bite.
🚫 Saying “just take a bite” seems harmless, but…
It can feel like pressure and may cause anxiety. Try talking about the food instead: “This feels bumpy—what does it remind you of?”
🍴 Model trying new foods
Kids learn by watching you. Even if they don’t eat it now, seeing you enjoy a variety of foods builds familiarity over time.
🚫 Hiding vegetables might “work,” but…
It skips the opportunity to build a healthy relationship with food. Transparency creates trust—and curiosity!
💬 Use positive, neutral language about all foods
“This one is super crunchy!” helps your child explore without judgment. Avoid “good” or “bad” labels.
🚫 Labeling your child as “picky” in front of them
Kids internalize what they hear. Instead of saying, “She’s picky,” try: “She’s still learning to like new foods.”
❤️ Feeding challenges are common and never a reflection of your parenting. Let’s meet kids where they are—and move forward with connection and curiosity. 🌱