By: Sarah McKenzie
One sunny afternoon, my kids and I were enjoying our time at the park when my oldest, as toddlers are wont to do, started tugging at my shirt, asking for a snack. We found a bench, and while I rummaged through my seemingly bottomless bag, I pulled out a granola bar (okay, it was more like a cookie) for him to munch on while I attended to his little brother. I was thrilled to take a breather from chasing him around, and I didn’t think twice about the food choices. I even sneaked a bite of that delicious snack for myself!
Not long after settling in, another mom and her daughter, whom I estimated to be about 13 months old, sat down beside us. The mom opened a small tin of blueberries and began offering them to her daughter, who gobbled them up with glee. I smiled at her, my gesture likely signaling my interest in chatting. As she praised her daughter’s appetite and touted all the healthy foods she devours, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of self-doubt wash over me. Did she judge my choice of snack? Did she think my son only ate sugary, processed snacks? It felt like I had just handed him a 2-liter bottle of soda! If only she knew that my son used to gobble down spinach and squash like a champ.
I had done everything “right” to prevent my son from becoming a picky eater. During my 20 months of breastfeeding, I was meticulous about my diet so my son would experience only the healthiest flavors. When he started solid foods at six months, I practiced baby-led weaning, allowing him to explore real food without purees. I remember his delight as he smeared butternut squash everywhere. Yet, despite my best efforts, I ended up with a child who thinks mac and cheese is the ultimate meal for any time of day.
With my second child, who is now 9 months old, I’ve taken a different approach. He’s just beginning to explore food beyond breast milk. Like many infants, he’s willing to munch on anything within reach. Currently, his favorites are bananas, avocados, and even his brother’s toy trains. I’m enjoying watching him discover the world through his taste buds, but I’m keeping my excitement in check. He may soon turn up his nose at the very things he loves now.
If you’re thinking, “That could never happen to my child,” just wait. One day, your sweet baby will transform into a little human with their own opinions. No matter how careful you are with their diet, there will come a time when you give in and offer something that isn’t “perfect” (whatever that means to you). That “special treat” will quickly become the one thing they crave until, one day, it’s suddenly the most disgusting food on the planet.
Sure, some toddlers have adventurous palates, but a child just learning about food doesn’t necessarily qualify as a good eater. They’re simply exploring the world around them, and everything is on the menu, including carpet lint! Once your child can truly differentiate between what’s edible and what’s not, their preferences will start to show. You’ll find yourself losing your mind trying to cater to their whims, and you may even find yourself in weekly food battles, as toddlers often assert their control over what they eat. Sometimes, it’s easier to give in rather than stick to your guns and serve what you believe is best for them.
So, if your child is currently chewing on wires between treats, let’s keep the bragging about how well they eat to a minimum. Call me when he’s two and dining at The French Laundry!
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out our other blog posts on pregnancy and home insemination, which can be excellent resources for new parents. For more information on pregnancy, visit the World Health Organization’s site. And for all your home insemination needs, check out this authority on the topic.
Summary
Being a parent means navigating the unpredictable eating habits of toddlers. While some children will surprise you with their adventurous appetites, many will go through phases of pickiness. Parenting involves a delicate balance of offering nutritious foods while accepting the inevitable changes in preferences.