This story comes from a WIC parent. Feel free to to share your story in the comments! Your words may be featured in the future.

You want to help your child make healthier habits. Your child also has picky eating behaviors. Do not worry! Most children go through picky eating phases. Most children will reject a food at some point. The good news is, you can help your child through picky eating phases. Listen to how one mom helped her child through picky eating behaviors...

"My two year old would throw her food on the floor at mealtime instead of eating it. I always became frustrated dealing with this. I knew I needed help. I decided to look up what the experts had to say. They said it could take 8-15 times before she might eat it.¹ 8-15 times! I thought, no way can I do that! It will waste food! I really want to do the best that I can for my daughter.  I offered her carrots, a lot. She threw the carrots often. I offered them raw, cooked, pureed. I offered them for lunch, dinner, and snacks. After two months, she ate the carrots! She ate them cooked when I offered them with some shredded chicken. I also saw that it helped if I gave her a choice.  I asked her if she wanted carrots or green beans. She chose the carrots. I was so excited. I started this same process with fish, and again with broccoli, tomatoes, and ground turkey. She still says no to some foods, and I keep offering a variety. I think that is the best I can do. Sometimes she eats it, and sometimes she does not. I give her a smaller portion just in case she says no, so it does not feel like a waste. If she wants more, I give her more. Meals have become a lot easier! It just takes time."

-Danielle, mother of a 2-year-old

Deeper Dive

Want to learn more about picky eating behaviors? Our Solving Picky Eating lesson has helpful tips and advice.

Source:
1. Lam, J. (2015, May 6). Picky Eating in Children. Retrieved May 8, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422022/