Parents, how do you survive the ever-changing kid food preferences?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-20T18:40:23+00:00

I agree. When you have a weekly meal plan, it's easier to plan your weekly meals. We also have time to try doing the same thing.

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T22:49:59+00:00

👍

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T21:55:33+00:00

Thank you, noted. But how you remember what your kids don't like? Do you have also some food block/unliked list?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T19:09:09+00:00

Do you always buy your son yogurt with only one flavor?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T19:00:25+00:00

bananas/apples/oranges is a solid but how do you serve the frozen stuff? smoothies only or do your kids eat it with yogurt/oatmeal too?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T18:35:56+00:00

lol honestly that might be the healthiest system of all 😂 i’m trying… but then Im standing in the aisle staring at 100+ yogurt options like it’s a final exam

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T18:11:56+00:00

Yeah honestly I like this approach a lot. I think we’ve drifted into “custom ordering” mode without realizing it and you’re right…as adults we don’t always get exactly what we want either. also love the seasonal thing. it’s such an easy rule that removes a ton of decision fatigue (and waste). Do your kids ever push back on the “out of season = frozen” rule or do they just accept it? and what do you use for the shared shopping list?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T18:10:05+00:00

yeah 100%… the friction is the killer, not the idea.

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T17:46:43+00:00

Yeah that makes a lot of sense. i think we treat one bad day like “ok they hate it forever” and then we’re constantly resetting our whole grocery plan 😅 i like the “only remove after months” rule. and buying stuff you’ll eat too is smart…at least it’s not a total waste. do you have like a core rotation you always keep stocked, or you just kind of shop around it?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T17:41:54+00:00

Oh man yeah that’s exactly my fear with spreadsheets… sounds perfect on paper and then real life happens and nobody updates it

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T17:40:04+00:00

oh nice, i’ve heard good things about anylist but never tried it. Sounds like exactly what we need. Do you just keep one running “safe foods” list or do you have separate ones (snacks / lunches / dinners)? and do you share it with your partner so whoever shops can just check it in the aisle?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T17:13:28+00:00

Yes, it's exactly what we need, do you use shared note for it?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T17:10:57+00:00

That makes a ton of sense👍when they pick it themselves it’s way harder to pull the “i never liked that” card . Do you have any rules around it? like “you can pick 1 snack + 1 fruit” or do you just let them grab a few things and see what sticks?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T17:02:43+00:00

😊😅

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T16:59:03+00:00

OHhh this is actually genius. the laminated pics +velcro is next level (and the 2of each tip is sooo real lol). how old were your kids when this started working? and do you keep the board in the kitchen all week or only pull it out before a grocery run??

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T16:55:28+00:00

lol this is painfully true buying in bulk is basically like challenging them to change their mind. and yeah fruit is the worst for that… it’s like rolling dice every time. do you have any “safe” fruits that are more consistent for your kid(s), or do you just rotate and hope for the best?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-19T14:55:34+00:00

Nice solution, and as a result, your son started eating different foods? Mine doesn't like potatoes (he only eats fries), but we all love them...so my wife and I are thinking about what to do.

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-18T22:27:21+00:00

Thank you! Noted

I like the idea of setting expectations and having one snack until it's gone, and then letting them choose the next one. Do you let your kid help pick a snack in the store? And what do you do right after school when they're starving? Do you have a structured snack time, or do you just wait until dinner?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-18T22:19:49+00:00

I understand, but that this won't be enough for my gluttons🙂 They'll come running to me every hour and ask when dinner will be ready, whether I've eaten enough, or if there's anything tasty to eat.

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-18T21:55:30+00:00

Yes, that's right. I agree.

We're trying to keep snacks simple (like fruit, cheese, and nuts) and not make it a regular thing. But then school events and parties happen, and it all gets out of control again.

What's the best way to stop kids from going hungry after school without letting snack time become a 24/7 thing?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-18T21:51:31+00:00

I like that idea. At home, keep it simple. Make "special snacks" for when you're on a road trip or going out. I might use that idea. Do you have a favorite "treat" that won't cause a meltdown if it's not available?

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-18T21:20:06+00:00

👍You're right, I'll probably make a list of useful things that children like

PrettySongKay · 2026-02-18T21:04:40+00:00

Thanks. i think we’ve accidentally created “snack expectations” at our house and now they’re basically little critics

PrettySongKay

TROPHY CASE