Decoding the toddler palate

I hoped to share a few solutions I have found to the problem of the dynamic tastes of my toddler. Parents are always struggling to feed their children a healthy and balanced diet. I have attempted to expand Theo's gastronomic experience to include a wide variety of ethnic foods as well. In caveat, I am aware that every child will have a different solution. The purpose of my post is only to share some ideas that have worked for me.

One thing that seems universal is a toddler changes with the wind. I have been lucky that Theodore has mostly eaten all of the vegetable and fruits I have offered and at least tried many adventurous meals to his liking. Still one morning I'll give him kiwi, and the response is emphatically 'no'. So I have learned to be stubborn, but creative. For him sometimes refusal can turn into acceptance if I change the presentation. Since he is learning to read, I turned his 'no' into a learning moment and had him help me spell out the word. Then I pointed out that my shirt color matched that of the kiwi. We talked about being able to eat the little black seeds. I then reoffered the fruit with a different implement (a kid's version of chopsticks, joined at the back). He ate every bite. It was the same with broccoli a while back. He ate it happily for 2 years, then one day he decided it wasn't for him. So now I shave the florets into his salads, macaroni, spaghetti, and so on. If it is not prominent, it is not an issue. I solved the problem of salads by using crunchier greens and vegetables and cutting them into smaller pieces (covered with Ranch). Tomatoes are easy when we talk about his memories of growing them in our Summer garden and eating them whole off the vine. I keep cookie cutters handy for sandwiches he might sneer at. The best chance is for me to eat the same thing and make him sit at the table until the meal is done. I give him choices, all of which are correct choices. Salad, peas, or green beans?? With cheese on it? Sure! Keeping parmesan or shredded cheese handy has saved many a veg from being abandoned. If Theo does not eat what's offered, I wrapped up his plate and offer it to him the next time he says he's hungry. My little is guy a voracious eater, so ultimately he gives in. Making it emotional is not good though. I just offer. If he refuses, then he goes hungry, but I try to keep all food exchanges calm and simple.

When it comes to new foods, our lessons on manners are refreshed. He has to say no thank you. Derek and I feign not to understand, nor do we respond to whining. Theo must take one bite before rejecting anything. This has resulted in the discovery of some of his favorite foods such as spanakopita, yakisoba, and teriyaki tofu wraps. I once I babysat a child that who only ate McMeals for her parents, but for me she gobbled up a spinach salad. During one visit I took her to a sushi place where she found that she loved squid salad. Another story come to mind about my niece (an older child) asking her mother "what are fish sticks??" This has taught me never to become complacent and resist monotonous meals and especially salty, breaded processed foods. Although Theo has had a few fish sticks in his lifetime I try to prepare fresh dishes as much as possible. Still each day is a surprise of fluid and inconsistent tastes. As such, I try to remember that creativity, reintroduction, and yes stubbornness are small labors for a healthy kid. So now in solidarity to those on the battle lines, please share your own experiences. What's your family's most interesting and favorite dish? Are there any battles you just gave up (recalling the adage, choose your battles wisely), or endured until victorious? Share any ingenious ideas that have kept your kids eating right! By the way, the inspiration to write this post was a banana refusal....what??? I merely had to slice the banana into slim circles and make a happy face, and suddenly it was his favorite again. Oy!