It was a sunny afternoon at the playground, and as toddlers often do, my eldest son began tugging at my shirt, demanding a snack. We found a bench, and I rummaged through my seemingly bottomless bag to pull out a granola bar (which resembled more of a cookie) for him to munch on while I tended to his younger brother. Relieved to take a breather from chasing after him, I even indulged in a bite of that sweet treat.
Moments later, a fellow mother and her daughter, whom I estimated to be around 13 months old, settled beside us. She opened a small metal container filled with blueberries, handing them to her daughter who eagerly devoured them. I offered a polite smile, which likely indicated I was open to conversation. The mother began to rave about her child’s impressive appetite, claiming, “Oh, little miss gourmet (which may not have been her actual name), she enjoys all sorts of fruits and veggies.” Naturally, this was taking place while my son was happily consuming his granola bar cookie just a couple of feet away.
As I listened to her praise her daughter’s refined taste, I felt a familiar wave of self-doubt wash over me. Was she silently judging my parenting choices? Did she assume my son only dined on artificially colored, sugary snacks devoid of nutrition? I might as well have handed him a 2-liter of soda. If only she had seen my son at her child’s age, when he happily devoured spinach and squash.
I diligently followed all the “proper” steps to prevent my son from becoming a picky eater. Throughout 20 months of breastfeeding, I was cautious about my own diet, ensuring he would only taste the healthiest foods through my milk. When he reached the solid food stage around six months, I embraced baby-led weaning, letting him experience real, un-pureed meals. I took joy in watching him smear butternut squash across his face, believing I was setting him up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Yet here I was, with a child who deemed mac and cheese suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
With my second child, now 9 months old, I’ve learned to temper my expectations. He’s just beginning to explore flavors beyond breast milk. Like many infants, he’s willing to try anything that crosses his path. His current favorites are bananas and avocados, along with an occasional nibble on his brother’s toy trains. I’m enjoying this stage of discovery, but I’ve learned to keep my bragging in check. He may soon turn his nose up at the very foods he currently relishes.
If you’re thinking, “My child would never do that,” just wait. Eventually, your sweet baby will transition into a mini-human with their own opinions. Regardless of how strict you are about their diet, you may find yourself giving in to the occasional less-than-nutritious option (whatever that means for you). That “special treat” may soon become the only thing they want to eat, only to be completely rejected overnight, leaving you with a lifetime supply.
Sure, some toddlers boast impressive palates and genuinely enjoy foods that aren’t shaped like dinosaurs. However, a child who is just starting to recognize what is edible isn’t necessarily a good eater—they’re simply exploring their world through taste. Think about why we’re advised to keep small items out of their reach.
Once your child can differentiate between food and lint, their true preferences will emerge. You may find yourself faced with the wrong sauce on their noodles or apples cut in an unapproved manner. The struggle to please this tiny tyrant will be all too real. You might end up battling over meals at least once a week, as deciding what to eat becomes a toddler’s way of asserting control over their unpredictable environment. Whether you choose to stand firm on your food choices or occasionally give in, the experience is uniquely challenging.
If your child is still chewing on wires in between snacks, let’s keep the braggadocio about their eating habits to a minimum. Call me when they’re at least two years old, dining on a gourmet meal at The French Laundry.
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Summary
Parenting can be challenging, especially when it comes to a child’s eating habits. Many parents feel pressured to ensure their toddlers eat a balanced diet, but it’s essential to remember that picky eating is a common phase. Children will often explore their world through food, leading to a variety of preferences that can change overnight. While some children may have sophisticated palates, most are simply navigating their tastes.