Thread by @ReignOfApril

I think there’s a way to let kids have choices when it comes to eating, & it’s often wrapped in privilege. Can one afford to take your kid shopping and let them pick different veggies to try? Does one have the time to find/cook a recipe using it instead of the faster ol’ standby?

We need to recognize that sometimes we heard “Eat what I make or don’t eat!” because that’s the only thing there was. Or that’s the only thing our caregiver had time to make. Sometimes it came from a place of scarcity.

If that’s not OUR story now, we can/should change that.

*If* you have the resources to expand your child’s palate at a young age, it’s helpful. It also gives your kid some agency. “Which veggie/protein should we have tonight?” Is an easy way to get them involved AND increase the chance of them finishing because they picked it.

We should also recognize that some kids have issues with textures or flavors of foods. Sometimes beyond just “I don’t like it” but perhaps they can’t fully explain why.

And you know what? If a kid only eats chicken nuggets for 6 mos, they’re going to be okay. So will you.

I think this can go both ways. Better to have veggies as their own side, yes. But if you can introduce “hated” zucchini in spaghetti sauce and then later say “Guess what? It was in there and you ate it all. Let’s try it on the side next time!” it might lead to less resistance.

https://twitter.com/bethshanna/status/1441804357859610632

I hear this. Liver is hard to hide because of its telltale texture. But something like squash or zucchini minced well is easier to disguise as something they might like. Hiding food should occur when other options haven’t been tried, nutrients aren’t being had & not long term.

https://twitter.com/mavetystreet/status/1441810550435065859