How to Turn Picky Eating Around: One Simple Trick for Success

If mealtime in your house feels like a battleground, you're not alone. Many parents struggle with picky eaters, feeling frustrated, worried about nutrition, and just plain exhausted from making multiple meals. But what if I told you there’s one simple shift you can make that can start turning things around today?

The Game-Changer: Stop the Pressure

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the biggest reasons picky eating sticks around is pressure at the dinner table. Whether it's "Just take one more bite," "You have to eat your vegetables," or "No dessert until you finish your dinner," these well-intentioned tactics actually make kids less likely to eat new foods.

Why? Because pressure turns eating into a power struggle. Instead of focusing on their natural hunger cues and curiosity about food, kids dig in their heels, using food refusal as a way to assert independence.

What to Do Instead

Try this: Serve the meal without any expectations. Put a variety of foods on the table, including at least one thing your child already likes, and then let them decide what to eat. No bribes, no negotiations, and no pressure. Just a calm, relaxed meal where they feel in control.

This approach removes the stress around food and allows kids to gradually build comfort with new flavors and textures. Over time, they start to explore foods at their own pace—and that’s when real progress happens.

Want a Proven Plan to End Picky Eating?

This is just one of the foundational strategies I teach in my 3-week program The Mealtime Fix, designed to help parents like you feel confident at mealtime while teaching your child to enjoy a variety of healthy foods. If you’re ready to stop the food battles and see real progress, click here to learn more!

Mealtimes don’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food—for life!

Doors open for The Mealtime Fix today. It’s only $37 for 3 weeks of strategies, resources, and coaching. This only for our Founding Members and is limited time pricing. Join us for this round! We start on April 14th (next Monday!). Invite your friends and let’s get started. 

Katie