Do You Struggle with Your Child’s Eating Habits or Is Your Little One a Fussy Eater?
You’re not alone—and there’s hope (and veggies) at the end of the tunnel!
Dear Parents,
If you’ve ever found yourself bargaining over broccoli or watching your child master the art of pushing peas to the edge of their plate—trust us, we’ve seen it all.
The Fussy Eater Phase: Totally Normal
First things first: being a fussy eater is a totally normal stage in a child’s development. Many children go through it as they explore their independence, tastes, and textures. The key is patience, persistence, and a little bit of creativity.
It may seem like a big leap, but even the fussiest eaters can learn to enjoy a variety of foods over time. With patience and encouragement, children who once refused everything on their plate can become curious and open to trying new things. The NHS offers some great advice on how to understand and manage fussy eating in young children. You can read more here.
WMB’s Approach to Mealtimes
We believe food should be play-based, not forced. At WMB Childcare, our staff team creates an inviting, pressure-free environment where children are encouraged to explore food at their own pace through a variety of activities. During mealtimes, we create a calm atmosphere and involve them in everything from serving themselves to talking about where food comes from. It’s amazing what a difference that makes!
How You Can Help at Home
Food exploring starts from a very young age—let them get messy with food textures!
✔ Get Creative: Rename foods with fun names—“x-ray vision carrots,” anyone?
✔ Model Good Eating: Let your child see you enjoying a variety of healthy foods.
✔ Stay Positive: Avoid pressure. A “no thank you” bite is still progress!
✔ Routine Helps: Serve meals at regular times and keep portions child-sized.
We’re always here to support you and your child’s journey toward healthy eating. If you have questions or need tips, don’t hesitate to speak with your child’s key worker—we’re in this together!
