Stop Food Battles Before They Begin

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

Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.