Mom of a picky eater
Fist off, I never force my kids to eat. I feel like if I force them to eat they will associate eating to an unpleasant experience and the last thing you want is for them to dislike meal time.
I also don’t fully support bribing with dessert (unless something extra special) for something they HAVE to do? Cuz then they’ll expect it every time.
If they don’t want to eat right away, just put it away. When they get hungry again, offer the same dish.
Another thing I do: I always have a variety of different foods in their plate with at least one or 2 things I know they will like and enjoy.
For us, avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and boiled carrots are always the first to disappear from their plates!! Secret word when “new” things are introduced is: just taste it or just try it!
It’s ok for them to not like something, they are building their taste buds and just like us adults there will be certain things they won’t enjoy eating And that’s ok!
Christina Paras 