February 29, 2023
One sunny afternoon, my kids and I were enjoying some fresh air at the playground. My eldest, as toddlers often do, started tugging at my shirt, asking for a snack. We found a nearby bench where I rummaged through my bag and unearthed a granola bar (okay, more like a cookie) for him to munch on while I juggled the needs of his baby brother. It felt wonderful to take a break from chasing him around, and I didn’t fret too much over the snack choice. I even treated myself to a bite of that delightful cookie.
Moments after settling in, another mom and her daughter, who looked about 13 months old, took a seat beside us. With great pride, the mother pulled out a small metal container filled with blueberries, handing them one by one to her daughter, who gobbled them up eagerly. I offered a smile, signaling my interest in chatting, and she eagerly shared tales of her daughter’s impressive appetite. “Oh, my little food lover, she devours all sorts of fruits and veggies!” Meanwhile, my son was happily munching his cookie snack just a couple of feet away.
Listening to this mom rave about her daughter’s sophisticated taste made me feel a wave of self-doubt that every parent knows too well. Was she silently judging my snack choice? Did she think I solely fed my child sugary, artificially colored treats? I could almost picture myself handing my son a straw for a 2-liter of soda. If only she had seen my son at her child’s age, happily devouring spinach and squash!
I thought I had everything figured out to prevent my son from becoming a picky eater. I was meticulous during my 20 months of breastfeeding, ensuring I consumed nutritious food so my son would taste only the best. When he started solids at around 6 months, I embraced baby-led weaning, letting him explore real food. I smiled as he joyfully smeared butternut squash across his face. I introduced him to a variety of healthy options, yet somehow, I ended up with a child who thinks mac and cheese is a perfectly acceptable breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
With my second child, now 9 months old, I’ve learned to take it easy. He’s just starting to explore food beyond breast milk. Like most infants, he’ll try anything he can grasp, and right now, his favorites include bananas, avocados, and yes, even his brother’s toy trains. I’m delighted to see him discover the world through taste, but I’ve decided to hold off on bragging about his appetite. I know all too well that tastes can change in an instant.
If you’re thinking, “That could never be my kid,” just wait. One day, your sweet baby will transform into a stubborn little human with real opinions. No matter how strict you are about their diet, there will come a time when you cave and allow them something less than perfect (whatever “perfect” means to you). That “special treat” will become their obsession for months, only to be discarded without warning one day, becoming the most detested food ever.
Sure, some toddlers have exquisite tastes and enjoy food that isn’t shaped like dinosaurs, but a child just starting to understand what’s edible is not necessarily a “good eater.” They are merely exploring the world around them, using their mouths as their primary tool. That’s why we’re always reminded to keep small objects out of their reach!
As your child matures and can tell the difference between food and carpet lint, their true culinary preferences will emerge. You might find yourself inadvertently putting the wrong-colored sauce on their pasta or slicing their apples in the “wrong way.” You’ll likely face at least one food battle each week, as deciding what to eat becomes a toddler’s way of exerting control over their environment. Sometimes, you might not have the energy to fight, while other times, you may be determined to stick to your nutritious ideals. If you can manage that, more power to you—do share your secrets!
But if your child is currently chewing on wires in between snacks, maybe hold off on sharing tales of their culinary prowess, and let’s touch base when they’re two and ready to dine at The French Laundry.
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Summary:
Navigating toddler eating habits can be challenging for parents. Despite our best efforts, children may develop unpredictable tastes and preferences. This article humorously captures the realities of feeding toddlers and the inevitable challenges of picky eaters. It reminds us that every child is unique in their culinary journey and encourages parents to relax about food choices.