Chicken pieces (tiny ones)

Meat is often a challenge for both littlies and fussy eaters.

Part of that is because it’s a LOT of chewing for very little reward. Which is why ‘pre-chewed’ nuggets, for example, are really popular.

Chewing uses muscles and like any other muscle jaws need to be exercised to be strong. The less we chew, the harder it becomes…

When introducing any new food, it’s important that we make it as easy as possible for a child to accept it. A huge part of this is our approach. Once that is in place, there are things that are more supportive than others.

Teeny tiny is always easier than big. Small is simpler to contemplate.

In the photo I have shown the sort of portion I’d be thinking of. Something that is not overwhelming and requires very little chewing.

If our child can eat this they can eat big pieces, but it could be a process to get there. Patience is one of the most important skills as a parent supporting a fussy eater 😊

Judith is an AOTA accredited picky eating advisor and internationally certified nutritional therapist. She works with 100+ families every year resolving fussy eating and returning pleasure and joy to the meal table.
She is also mum to two boys and the author of Creating Confident Eaters and Winner Winner I Eat Dinner. Her dream is that every child is able to approach food from a place of safety and joy, not fear.
Learn more about Judith here: https://theconfidenteater.com/about/