Food battles usually are not about food. They are about your child’s brain doing its job: protecting them from anything that feels unfamiliar.
In this episode, I share Mikey’s story (a spirited 4-year-old who refused every vegetable), why pressure and “just one bite” backfired, and what is actually normal toddler eating—tiny appetites, changing preferences, and a strong need for control.
You will learn three simple, big-hearted strategies that prevent picky habits:
Let your child decide how much to eat
Let your child choose what to eat from what is served
Build a calm, positive mealtime environment (connection over consumption)
Plus: bonus tips like screen-free meals, predictable snacks, no grazing, and the “No Thank You Bowl” that lowers pressure fast.
Takeaway: When kids feel pressured, intake goes down.
Resources:
Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy
Join The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram
Get Toddlers Made Easy course
Sponsor:
Acorns Early
