Let’s face it: toddlers can be incredibly stubborn when it comes to food (or, honestly, anything). As parents, we want our little ones to eat well, but mealtime can feel like a daily battle.

The good news? A little understanding of child development—and a lot of patience—can make all the difference. Here’s some advice, grounded in science, psychology, real-life parenting, and Petit Bowl’s healthy meals, to help you cultivate positive eating habits for your toddler.

1. You Provide the Food

As a parent, your role is to offer healthy, nutritious meals and snacks, and that’s it! Once the food is served, your job is done. Your child might eat a lot one day and hardly touch their plate the next, and that’s perfectly normal. Stick to a routine of three balanced meals and a couple of snacks each day. If time is tight, Petit Bowl offers ready-to-eat, wholesome meals packed with the nutrition your toddler needs, making it easy to stay consistent.

2. They Decide How Much to Eat

Encouragement is fine, but don’t pressure your toddler to eat more than they want or force them to “clean their plate.” Research shows that this approach often backfires, leading to resistance. With Petit Bowl’s variety of meals, your child can explore different flavors and textures at their own pace. Trust them to decide how much they want to eat.

3. Think Long-Term

It’s hard not to worry when your toddler seems to survive on air one day, but try to take the long view. Studies show that when consistently offered healthy foods, most young children get the nutrients they need over time. Petit Bowl’s menu is designed to provide balanced nutrition, helping ensure your toddler’s needs are met—even on those off days when they seem uninterested in food.

4. Don’t Become a Short-Order Cook

Resist the urge to whip up an alternative meal if your toddler refuses what’s on their plate. Constantly catering to their preferences can create a cycle where they’ll only eat a handful of their favorite foods. A good strategy is to always include at least one healthy item you know they’ll eat. Petit Bowl makes this easier with a variety of meals, so you can always have something on hand that meets their needs.

5. Trust Them to Know When They’re Full

If your toddler says they’re full after just a few bites, believe them. Their hunger cues naturally fluctuate as they grow. Serving perfectly portioned Petit Bowl meals helps ensure you’re offering the right amount of food without overloading their plate, supporting their ability to listen to their body.

6. Shape Their Taste Buds

Toddlers are naturally drawn to sweet foods and may shy away from bitter ones like vegetables. While it’s tempting to give in to their preferences, remember that exposure is key. Petit Bowl includes a variety of vegetable-packed options, to help your child develop a taste for healthy, natural flavors. Keep offering those greens—they’ll come around!

7. Watch Your Words

Little ears pick up everything, so avoid labeling your child as a “picky eater” or “the one who only eats crackers.” These labels can stick and shape how they see themselves. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement: “Wow, you’re eating your lentil mash so well!” or “Look at how you’re enjoying your Petit Bowl chicken risotto!”

8. Embrace the Mess

Yes, mealtimes with toddlers are messy—there’s no avoiding it. But remember, the mess is part of their learning process. Those little hands are developing motor skills and exploring textures. Petit Bowl’s meals are designed to be toddler-friendly, so let them dig in and enjoy the experience while you focus on making memories instead of worrying about cleanup.

9. Remember, It’s a Phase

Today’s broccoli lover might reject it tomorrow, and that’s okay. Toddlers’ preferences are constantly shifting as they grow and develop. Petit Bowl’s diverse range of meals allows you to adapt easily to their changing tastes while still offering balanced nutrition.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a healthy, positive eating environment for your toddler. Keep your expectations realistic, skip the battles, and approach mealtimes with love and understanding. With Petit Bowl as your partner, you’ll have the support you need to nourish your little one with ease and confidence.