As parents, it’s super easy to feel pressure when it comes to feeding our kids. Social media, parenting forums, and even well-meaning friends can unintentionally create a culture of comparison around what their diets should look like. But here’s the truth: healthy eating looks different for every child, and that’s okay! Is This Normal expert, Little Spoon Advisor and Pediatric Dietitian, Ali Bandier, is here to remind parents that every child has unique needs, preferences, and challenges, and what works for one family might not work for another. Rather than focusing on how your kiddo’s preferences and palette fit into the traditional mold of a healthy diet, here are some practical, judgment-free tips to make feeding a stress-free experience:

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Take the pressure off of yourself for having to nail every meal in terms of a balanced plate. Sometimes, your little one’s plate is going to have one or two more chicken nuggets than pieces of broccoli—and that’s okay! You don’t have to get it ‘right’ at every meal. Building consistency with meals throughout the week is way more important than the value of that one to-go meal you picked up on the way home from that busy evening of sports games and activities. 

Celebrate Variety, Even in Small Steps

Kids are naturally more drawn to the foods they think are fun. It’s important to introduce new foods gently and without pressure. Exposure to new foods can happen by starting as small as introducing it to your child’s plate at mealtime. If you shake up their routine with foreign foods and smells, the pressure may backfire in the long run and take you further away from your goals for your little eater.

At Little Spoon, we know introducing veggies to your little one can feel like an uphill battle. If your child has not eaten a leafy vegetable because it’s not the ‘right shade of green’, you’re not alone. That’s why our meals contain hidden veggies—so your kiddo gets all the vitamins and minerals that they need without the back and forth of negotiations. The best part? These veggies are invisible to the naked eye and take form in some pretty delicious flavors. Mac and Three Cheese with butternut squash or Mini Turkey Meatballs with kale? Yes, please!

Food is Fuel

We’re all guilty of referring to foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’—we’re looking at whoever came up with the idea of a ‘cheat day’. It’s important that your little one understands that food is fuel. Our bodies need all kinds of foods to grow strong bones, build big muscles, and train smart minds.  Is a handleful of grapes technically healthier than a pint of cookie dough ice cream? Yes, but sometimes we need both of those foods in one sitting to satisfy our cravings! Focus on creating positive mealtime experiences that work in all different types of foods, while designing a balanced plate for your kiddo that doesn’t feel super restrictive. 

Healthy eating is about more than just nutrients—it’s about cultivating a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime. Remember: there’s no “perfect” way to feed your child, only the way that works for your family. By embracing flexibility, celebrating small wins, and tuning into your child’s needs, you can foster a mealtime environment where everyone feels supported, nourished, full, and loved!