7 Things You Should Never Say to the Parent of a Picky Eater

Yes, I know my kid is a picky eater.My 10-year-old is a picky eater, which means that often when we have a meal with Other People, they feel compelled to make some sort of comment about the fact that my kid is a picky eater.

It's a little odd that they feel so free to say something about it, since I've managed to restrain myself and not say "well, it certainly seems that you've overcome whatever hesitation you may have had about eating everything in sight!"



Related: 12 things your kids MUST see you do

Generally, I think it's rude to comment on people's eating habits, and the fact that we're talking about a child doesn't make it any more acceptable.

Here is a list of 7 things you should never say to the parent of a picky eater, based almost entirely on comments that I've received in the past. I've also included a few snarky responses you're likely to receive if you ask me any of these questions.

1. Has he always been picky?
No, just since this afternoon. It's uncanny!

Related: The 12 worst foods for kids

2. I read that you should introduce one new food a week.
Yes, I've read all the books, thanks.

3. Aren't you worried that he'll be malnourished if he doesn't eat a cucumber/tofu/melon/fish?
No. According to his pediatrician, he is getting enough nutrients.

4. Isn't it boring not to try new foods?
Probably. But he's on a baseball team and has both a Wii and friends. So I'm guessing he gets his entertainment in other ways.

Related: 7 things you should NEVER say to your child

5. Didn't you breastfeed?
I did.

6. You probably didn't nurse him long enough and that stunted his palate.
Oh, shut up.

7. If you left him with me, he'd eat everything after a week.
Yes, let's do that on June Neverteenth.

- By Marinka
Follow Marinka on Babble

For more things you should never say to the mom of a picky eater, visit Babble!

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