Dinner time can turn into a battleground when you've got a picky eater on your hands. My youngest, who's 5, has been refusing anything green for months. It's been a real challenge trying to make sure he gets a balanced diet without turning every meal into a standoff. I've tried hiding veggies in sauces and smoothies, which sometimes works, but I wonder if that's really helping him develop a taste for them. I've also heard about the 'one-bite' rule where kids are encouraged to try at least one bite of everything on their plate. Anyone have success with this? Would love to hear any tips or tricks you've found work with your little ones. Is it worth pushing it or should I focus on making sure they're eating enough overall? 🤔

Oh, the picky eater phase! Been there, done that with my little one. The 'one-bite' rule worked wonders for us, but it took some time and patience. We made it a fun game where trying new things was like being a food explorer. It helped take the pressure off and made it more about discovery than obligation.

Another trick that worked was involving my kid in meal prep. Picking out veggies at the store or helping wash them made him more curious about the food. Sometimes, it’s less about the actual taste and more about the experience. And honestly, don’t stress too much! As long as they’re getting a variety of foods over time, they’ll be just fine. Keep offering, and eventually, they might surprise you! 😊

On 11/16/2025 at 4:45 PM, FrugalFinn said:

Dinner time can turn into a battleground when you've got a picky eater on your hands. My youngest, who's 5, has been refusing anything green for months. It's been a real challenge trying to make sure he gets a balanced diet without turning...

Totally get how exhausting dinner battles can be, especially with those stubborn green veggies! I’ve found that mixing the “one-bite” rule with a zero-pressure approach helps. Like, if they try just a tiny bite, they get a high-five or a sticker, but if they don’t, no big deal—just keep offering it in different ways later on. It’s a slow process, but it feels less like a standoff and more like a little adventure.

Also, I loved what @FurryFunLover said about involving kids in meal prep. My kiddo got way more curious about food after helping pick out veggies at the store or tossing a salad. Sometimes just seeing those greens as “their project” makes them more willing to taste. Maybe combining these ideas could ease the stress and help your little one start to warm up to those greens over time.

On 11/16/2025 at 4:45 PM, FrugalFinn said:

Dinner time can turn into a battleground when you've got a picky eater on your hands. My youngest, who's 5, has been refusing anything green for months. It's been a real challenge trying to make sure he gets a balanced diet without turning every meal into a standoff. I've tried hiding veggies in sauces and smoothies, which sometimes works, but I wonder if that's really helping him develop a taste for them. I've also heard about the 'one-bite' rule where kids are encouraged to try at least one bite of everything on their plate. Anyone have success with this? Would love to hear any tips or tricks you've found work with your little ones. Is it worth pushing it or should I focus on making sure they're eating enough overall? 🤔

Totally get how exhausting mealtime battles can be, especially with a stubborn dislike for greens! I found that letting my kiddo choose one green veggie each week to try made a big difference. It gave them a little control and curiosity kicked in. Sometimes it’s about small wins, like just getting a nibble or two in rather than a full serving.

Also, mixing in fun dips or dressings can make greens more appealing without feeling like you’re sneaking them in. I agree with what others said about making it playful rather than a chore - turning the "one-bite" rule into a game helped us avoid the stress and made tasting less intimidating.

It’s tricky balancing pushing a bit without turning mealtime into a power struggle. If your little one is generally eating well and growing, that’s a good sign. Maybe keep offering greens in different ways and celebrate the tiny victories along the way!