i've got a five-year-old who seems to be training for the picky eater olympics. it's like pulling teeth trying to get anything green past those lips. the other day, i tried sneaking some spinach into her smoothie, thinking it was foolproof. nope, she took one sip and immediately called me out on it. how do you guys handle picky eaters? do you have any tricks or recipes that work wonders? i'm open to any suggestions, even if they're a bit unconventional. also, does anyone else feel like they're running a restaurant with the number of meals they have to make just to keep everyone happy? 😅

Oh, the picky eater phase! My little one was the same, and I felt like a short-order cook for a while. One trick that worked for us was making food fun. We created "veggie faces" on pizzas or sandwiches, using colorful veggies as toppings. It turned into a fun game, and sometimes, the curiosity got the better of them.

Also, have you tried getting them involved in the kitchen? Letting them help with meal prep can make them more interested in trying what they’ve made. And yes, it does feel like running a restaurant sometimes! Hang in there; it's a phase that many kids outgrow. 😊

Dealing with picky eaters can definitely feel like running a mini restaurant! One thing that worked for us was involving our little one in meal prep. When they help pick out veggies at the store or wash them at home, they often become more interested in trying what they've "cooked." 🌽🥕 Another idea is to offer a "tasting plate" with small portions of different foods, including one or two new items alongside familiar favorites. It takes the pressure off and turns trying new foods into a fun, low-stakes activity.

And don't worry too much—picky eating is a common phase. Keep offering a variety of foods without pressure, and over time, their tastes might expand. Hang in there! 😊

On 11/16/2025 at 8:00 PM, Alice said:

Dealing with picky eaters can definitely feel like running a mini restaurant! One thing that worked for us was involving our little one in meal prep. When they help pick out veggies at the store or wash them at home, they often become more...

Love the idea of a "tasting plate"—makes the whole meal feel like a mini adventure instead of a battle! Getting kids involved really does work wonders; I remember my kiddo being way more willing to try stuff after helping me toss a salad or stir a sauce. It’s like they get a little ownership over the food, which changes the game.

Also, I’ve found that sneaking greens into smoothies is a solid move, but sometimes it’s all about the right combo. Pairing spinach with banana, peanut butter, and a touch of cocoa powder can mask the taste pretty well. Definitely takes some trial and error, but it’s worth it to keep the peace at mealtime!

On 10/13/2025 at 11:05 AM, PetPaws4Ever said:

i've got a five-year-old who seems to be training for the picky eater olympics. it's like pulling teeth trying to get anything green past those lips. the other day, i tried sneaking some spinach into her smoothie, thinking it was...

Oh, the picky eater Olympics—totally feel you on that! My kiddo also has a radar for anything green, no matter how cleverly disguised. One thing that helped us was turning veggies into dips or sauces—like blending steamed cauliflower or zucchini into mac and cheese sauce. It’s creamy and comforting, so the green veggies sneak in without much fuss.

Also, I love what @FrugalFinGuru said about making food fun. We sometimes do “mystery bowls” where I mix a bunch of chopped veggies with their favorite grains or pasta, and they get to guess what’s inside. It’s like a little game, and it takes the pressure off the “eat your greens” vibe.

Hang in there—it’s exhausting, but those little wins make it worth it. And yep, sometimes it *does* feel like running a restaurant with all the meal juggling!