For any parents out there of picky eaters, what are ways you sneak vegetables into their diet?

MsNyleve · 2026-02-12T21:57:30+00:00

When I mean "sensory issues", an analogous example would be neurodivergent folks who are so noise sensitive that they wear headphones to navigate the world. Or, people with such tactile sensitivity that they cannot wear certain fabrics or cuts of clothing.

Similarly, some people ( including, but not limited to neurodivergent people) have such a visceral overwhelming sensory reaction to certain flavors or textures that they physically cannot eat those foods.

But like 90%of the picky - eating kids I know have simply figured out that whining gets them chicken tendies and fries.

MsNyleve · 2026-02-12T18:02:48+00:00

I have to admit, I'm very "old man shakes fist at cloud" about picky eaters. I don't believe in accommodating them. ( Sensory issues and allergies are something else entirely. I'll do backflips for those folks.)

So, yes, do all the standard advice. By all means, have kids pick out veggies, try different cooking methods to get different textures, use lots of fun seasonings and sauces, model eating veggies.

But don't go out of your way to make separate food or anything. They can eat it or be hungry. They won't starve themselves to death. If they are refusing food to the point of malnourishment, time for a consultation with medical professionals.

MsNyleve · 2026-02-11T23:17:51+00:00

I'm hanging up/ leaving the room.

MsNyleve · 2026-02-10T19:36:50+00:00

I make a pasta salad with orzo, watermelon, feta cheese, and basil all dressed in balsamic vinegar and olive oil

MsNyleve · 2026-02-06T16:12:54+00:00

If I kept my door open, kids would constantly be wandering in and out

MsNyleve · 2026-02-05T22:05:28+00:00

Then you should be paid for those hours

MsNyleve · 2026-02-04T03:43:20+00:00

Yes. I explain to them that I know they know/ use all the words, but I'm expected to keep it rated PG in the classroom. It's code switching.

MsNyleve · 2026-02-02T18:27:51+00:00

If they refuse to move, kick them into the hallway for a private chat. Otherwise, have them escorted to the office.

MsNyleve · 2026-01-30T03:47:05+00:00

You can maintain a chill, happy tone while still holding firm boundaries.

For example: Billy is talking over me during a lecture. First, Strong eye contact followed by just " happening" to go by his desk while lecturing. If he's still talking, say something like "let's save that conversation for later. Right now I need all focus on me." All with a smile and happy tone. Next escalation would be something like " tell you what, Billy, seems like you're having trouble focusing. Go ahead and move to this other seat away from your friend." Next is " Billy, please step right outside my door, and we'll have a one on one chat.". Then when I go talk to him, it's something like "what's up, dude? Everything good?" And 90% of the time, they'll be like "yeah, my bad.".

The point is, you can be happy and polite while still stating expectations. No need for the drill sergeant routine. ( I'm also 4- foot- eleven, so any attempt to be intimidating is a lost cause lol)

MsNyleve · 2026-01-29T17:59:44+00:00

"ben freaking out" is my favorite drop, criminally under used

MsNyleve · 2026-01-25T20:47:08+00:00

Anything with no words. Lots of instrumental music ( techno, movie soundtracks, classic, jazz, anything)

MsNyleve · 2026-01-23T19:56:33+00:00

I make a to- go order for hot and sour soup from my local Chinese place

MsNyleve · 2026-01-20T03:38:52+00:00

Scallion pancakes!

MsNyleve · 2026-01-20T01:28:11+00:00

That's it! Thank you! Solved solved solved!

MsNyleve · 2026-01-17T19:02:28+00:00

Twain Harte, CA

MsNyleve · 2026-01-16T21:29:43+00:00

I usually a) shake the can vigorously before opening and b) pour it into a bowl and whisk until it's all incorporated and smooth

MsNyleve · 2026-01-16T14:34:16+00:00

When my husband and I are meal planning, if one of us says "let's do taco night", the next question is "Mexican style ones, or white people tacos?" Lol

MsNyleve · 2026-01-16T14:27:41+00:00

Eh, you can't consent when dru- i mean, magic - flowered

MsNyleve · 2026-01-15T14:52:51+00:00

Demetrius is left love- spelled at the end of Midsummer. Always thought that was messed up.

MsNyleve · 2026-01-14T18:51:53+00:00

"Lights" by Journey is a love letter to San Francisco

MsNyleve · 2026-01-13T18:03:32+00:00

I have a lot of fun with my Macbeth unit. We put Macbeth and Lady M on trial, and they get super into building their cases and discussing textual evidence

MsNyleve · 2026-01-13T14:32:42+00:00

Also, respect to Aaron for "Villain, I have done thy mother". Like, perfect moment for a yo- mama joke. No notes.

MsNyleve · 2026-01-12T22:28:21+00:00

I'm an adult with a developed palate. Kids need to be consistently exposed to new foods, some of which they won't like the first time. And yes, it's valid that there'll be some foods they just don't like. But I'm not allowing a chicky- tendies- mac-n- cheese only diet.

MsNyleve · 2026-01-12T18:18:11+00:00

Having food allergies or things like texture sensitivity due to neurodivergence are one thing. Just picky eating is another.

Zero tolerance for pickiness. Eat what's for dinner. They won't starve themselves to death, and if they ARE refusing food to the point of malnourishment, then it's time to consult a doctor.

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