My kid turned 2 and became a picky-eater

Navigating the Picky-Eater Phase: A Parent’s Guide

Ah, the age-old tale of turning two and suddenly morphing into a culinary connoisseur with a picky palate, aka a picky-eater. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard this story a thousand times – how your once adventurous eater has now become a discerning toddler with a very limited menu. As someone who’s been in the trenches as a pediatric dietitian, I’ve seen this phenomenon unfold not just at the big 2, but more often between 18 months and 3 years of age.

But here’s the thing, and trust me, it’s not as bad as it seems. This pickiness is actually developmentally on point (in fact, it’s necessary!). It’s like their way of flexing their newfound independence muscles, testing the waters of their autonomy. They’re essentially mini explorers in the world of food, asserting their preferences and carving out their own culinary identity.

Sure, it’s easy to get a little worried when your mini-me starts treating broccoli like it’s the enemy, or insists that spaghetti must never ever touch the peas. And in our best efforts to ensure they’re getting a balanced diet, we might resort to a symphony of “just one more bite” pleas, desperate dessert bribes, and a shower of excessive praise. All well-intentioned moves, but it can quickly turn mealtime into a high-stakes negotiation and there is your picky-eater.

Here’s the scoop:

Those hesitations they’re showing around foods? It’s not necessarily a rejection of the foods themselves. These little explorers are simply soaking in their surroundings and, well, they’ve got ants in their pants – they’re eager to move, explore, and conquer the world (or at least the living room). And honestly, who can blame them?

What often happens is that we mistake this hesitation for total food aversion, and that’s where the trouble brews. Soon enough, we find ourselves narrowing down the food choices, which is like striking gold for a picky-eater. Suddenly, meal planning becomes a high-pressure mission, and dinnertime feels more like a battleground.

Proven Strategies:

Before you start concocting elaborate schemes to sneak in veggies, here are some savvy strategies to help you ride this picky eating wave:

• Variety is the Spice of Toddler Life: You’re not a magician, and that’s okay. Offer a mix of familiar favorites and sneak in new players. Their taste buds might just surprise you.
• You Serve, They Decide: Remember this rule of thumb. Your job is to present the options; their job is to choose what and how much to eat.
• Calm Before the Culinary Storm: Take a moment before the mealtime chaos begins. Deep breaths can do wonders for you and your little one’s state of mind.
• The 20-Minute Challenge: Keep in mind their attention span. Twenty minutes is about the limit for a mini diner. Quick, focused meals can be game-changers.
• Patience, Patience, Patience: Introducing new foods takes time – like 20+ exposures kind of time. Be persistent, but not pushy.

And let’s talk about the strategies that are like secret weapons against picky eating. Engaging them in meal prep, showing them how it’s done by being a food role model, enjoying family meals together, and even trying out food chaining (trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds) – all these techniques can pave the way to peaceful meal times.

Still hungry for answers?

Book a free consultation call with me today! I am here to help, ready to guide you through the maze of picky-eating. Reach out, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together. Sometimes all it takes is a push in the right direction. Happy munching! 🍴

Jordana Ventzke
Licensed Dietician & SOS Feeding Specialist
Mom of 2

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