My toddler is a fairly adventurous eater. This is partially because D and I eat a varied diet and have been giving him the same meals as we eat, since he was old enough to eat them. It’s also because our son doesn’t seem to have any sensory issues with food textures.
Being a special education teacher, I’m well aware that some kids can have serious sensory aversions that have nothing to do with whether or not you did “baby-led weaning” with them (no matter what the hardcore weaners will tell you).
But luckily, Jameson seems to tolerate all kinds of textures pretty well.
So yes, my son is a good eater, but he’s also a toddler. Meaning he is starting to assert his independence around at the dinner table (and the lunch table, and the breakfast table…).
When I say that, I don’t mean he’s throwing massive tantrums and flinging peas on the wall every day. Although, he’s done each of those things at some point or another, being a tot and all.
What he’s been doing lately is some kind of “choose one” toddler ritual where he will pick one food on his plate and eat only that food.
“Chicken and potatoes? Sorry, but I’ve decided that only peas are worthy of my palette today!”
Also, I’ve had to hide the fruit bowl from view during dinner.
Yes, really.
If he catches a glimpse of a banana or a cherry tomato it is game over. He will immediately decide that what we have served him is straight-up trash and only seventeen bananas will do.
Looking around online, it seems like this is a normal part of the toddler stage, and that it should pass eventually.
For now, I’ll be doing my best to not make a big fuss about him only eating parts of his meals…and hiding the fruit bowl like a crazy woman at dinner.
Has your toddler went through any picky eating stages that made you scratch your head or laugh? I’d love to hear about it!
Paige is Parenting 