Understanding Picky Eating

Picky eating is a normal phase in child development. Most children go through periods of food selectivity, and understanding this can help reduce mealtime stress.

Strategies That Work

Present food in creative ways – use cookie cutters for sandwiches, arrange vegetables into smiley faces, or let children help with age-appropriate kitchen tasks.

Give children some control by offering two healthy options: “Would you like carrots or cucumbers with dinner?”

Research shows children may need to see a new food 10-15 times before trying it. Keep offering without pressure.

Children learn eating habits by watching adults. Eat together as a family and model healthy eating behaviors.

Avoid using dessert as a reward for eating vegetables – this can make less healthy foods seem more desirable.

At Riverwood

Our menus are designed by nutritionists and we work with families to address dietary concerns. We create positive mealtime environments where children can explore new foods at their own pace.