How many of us have picky eaters? Well, if you don’t, I love that for you. But if your child is picky like my son Miles, then there are methods that must be implemented. Admittedly, I originally took an unhealthy approach to get Miles to eat. I reverted to practices I learned from my mother. For example:

If you don’t eat your food, then…

You can’t get up unless you finish…

While these statements technically worked for me because I finished my food, it created an unhealthy relationship with eating and if I wasn’t careful, I would push those unhealthy habits onto Miles (which I did – until I didn’t). I took a step back and evaluated why he wasn’t eating. Did he actually like what was I feeding him? What language was I using when introducing new and different foods to him? I started being mindful of the ways in which I discussed food with him.

I remember my pediatrician giving me the best advice when he said, “feed him what he likes.” While this sounds like a simple task, it was hard because I was feeding him what I thought he would like, rather than asking and learning what he enjoyed. I started introducing different things at the farmers market and grocery stores while saying, “Can you pick your apples?” or “Can you show me what veggies you would like to eat today?” and “Miles, will you show me what snacks you are interested in?”

Although the choices were small, it still gave him ownership of picking what he liked.

Now that Miles is 7 years old and a little more vocal about his preferences, we have an agreement at the table. The agreement says: try one bite, and if you don’t like it, we won’t ever try it again. This may sound risky with a 7 year old, but 80% of the time he ends up liking it, mostly because we gave him the choice. This conversation with my son has allowed me to add different things to his palate. Most recently, we added cauliflower!

I am wondering how your own childhood experiences play into how you feed your child? Find me on Instagram and let’s chat!

Kiara Ruth is a master at multi-tasking and simplifying. She gracefully juggles her life as a mother and wife with her presence as a social media influencer and NC tastemaker. Kiara drifts from mom to mogul effortlessly because she remains authentic and true to her brand in every step. This authenticity means telling her story truthfully, acknowledging faults, and being transparent while growing and learning.

Kiara is a mom to Miles who is 7 years old, and the wife to Terrance Ruth who is a professor at NC State. Stay up to date with her adventures as a wife, mom and woman right here in “Miles To Go” and at her lifestyle blog, The Banana Moon.

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