04/09/2026
For many families, trying a new food like broccoli can feel like a huge moment.
Expanding a child’s variety of foods often takes time, patience, and a lot of support. Even a small bite can represent months of progress.
There can be so much buildup leading to that moment. Here are 5 tips to make it a little easier on you & your kiddo!
1️⃣Let them play with it first.
Before it ever touches their lips, let them poke it, squish it, smell it, or just look at it from across the table. Familiarity builds safety. When a food feels less like a threat and more like a toy, the pressure drops and curiosity takes over. 💜
2️⃣Ditch the "just one bite" rule.
We know it feels logical, but that phrase can actually increase anxiety around food. Instead, try "you don't have to eat it, just see what you think." No pressure, no power struggle, no tears at the dinner table. Progress looks different for every kid.
3️⃣Put them in charge.
Let them serve themselves, pick which plate it goes on, or decide where it sits on their plate. When kids feel in control of the experience, they're way more likely to engage with it. Autonomy is everything. 🤝
4️⃣Eat it yourself, out loud.
Narrate your experience. "Mmm, this is crunchy. It kind of tastes like..." Kids are watching you constantly. Modeling without pressure is one of the most powerful tools you have, and it costs exactly zero dollars.
5️⃣Celebrate the look, the touch, the sniff, not just the bite.
If your child looked at a new food without melting down, that is a win worth celebrating. Progress in feeding therapy is not always measured in bites. It's measured in steps, and every step counts!
When it finally happens, it can feel almost cinematic. Like a moment you have been waiting for. For many families, that first brave bite really is a big step!
💜Share this with a parent who could use these tips!
