Help! The one bite rule isn’t working for my kid… what should I do? Quick answer: Stop pressuring it! Stop letting it stress you out!

For many children, the one bite rule works. It’s a rule that helps increase the number of exposures a child has to a food, with the goal of them finally developing a taste for the food. For some children with sensory processing issues or developmental delays, one bite rule probably isn’t the most effective way of trying your kids to taste new foods. Studies have shown that a child may need to be exposed to a food ten times before they can really “decide” if they like it or not. For more on how to help your picky eaters, view this blog.

The one bite rule is something I strongly encourage all parents be doing on a regular basis for most children. Why? Well, because you, momma, shouldn’t be a short order cook making multiple meals. Who has time for that?! Our kids need repeat exposure to new foods, again and again, before they develop a taste for it. You set expectations and boundaries around meal time by making one meal – they will come to understand that this is what WE are having for dinner.

I also recommend including at least 1 healthy safe-bet item that they can eat as much as they want of to make sure they aren’t too hungry after meals and between meal times. For example, if your kiddo loves carrots, make sure they are at the table come dinner time. That way, even if they take the tiniest bite of spinach and hate it, you have a surefire backup waiting.

So, what about when the one bite rule doesn’t work?

• You should stop doing it. Stop talking about it.Stop enforcing it. Just stop.

Our little ones, especially toddlers and preschoolers are in the age of defiance, saying no, becoming independent… they will do the exact opposite just because. It’s part of them figuring out who they are. We can’t fight child development. So stop pressuring them. You might be amazed at the results when you finally stop begging, and fighting, and arguing over taking a bite of a meatball… when they finally take a bite on their own without being asked, just because they wanted to.

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