Toddler Tip Tuesday: Why Your Toddler Might Be Struggling at Meals (And It’s Not What You Think)
It’s Not About the Taste... It’s About the Senses.
The other night, I served pasta… something my toddler usually loves.
But this time?
She poked at it with one finger like it was an alien lifeform, made a face, and shouted:
"It’s too slimy! I don’t LIKE it!"
I immediately felt the steam rising up through my veins.
Because in my head, I was thinking:
"You ate this exact same thing two days ago!"
But then I remembered something crucial that has completely changed how I approach toddler mealtimes:
Sometimes it’s not about being picky.
It’s about how the food feels.
And when we miss that?
Mealtimes get a whole lot harder (for both of us).
The Hidden Reason: Sensory Sensitivities
For toddlers, food isn’t just food.
👉 It’s how it feels on their fingers.
👉 It’s how it smells when it hits the plate.
👉 It’s how it sounds when they chew it.
👉 It’s how it looks in bright, overwhelming colors.
If a food’s texture, smell, or even appearance feels "off" to them?
Their whole body can go into fight-or-flight mode—even if they ate it yesterday.
✅ Key takeaway:
Sometimes a meltdown at mealtime isn’t stubbornness... it’s sensory overload.
It’s not "I don't want to eat."
It’s "This feels too overwhelming and I don’t know how to say that yet."
How to Navigate Sensory Struggles at Mealtimes
When you realize your toddler’s resistance might be sensory, here’s a simple plan to help you both:
Step 1: Validate First
Start by acknowledging their feelings without judgment.
"It feels slimy to you. That’s okay."
Validation helps reduce the panic response.
Step 2: Focus on Exploration, Not Eating
Instead of pushing them to eat it, invite them to explore it:
Touch it
Smell it
Move it around with a fork
Exposure without pressure helps toddlers build trust and curiosity.
Step 3: Always Offer a “Safe Food”
Include one food you know they usually accept at every meal. This gives them an anchor of comfort if new textures feel overwhelming.
Example:
🍞 A piece of bread alongside a new veggie.
Step 4: Lower the Stakes
Act casual, even if inside you’re freaking out. 😉
Keep the energy light:
"You don’t have to eat it. You can just touch it if you want."
No battles. No begging. Just gentle exposure.
Step 5: Celebrate Tiny Wins
If they touch the food? Win.
If they smell it? Win.
If they lick it and make a face? Still a win.
Progress with sensory challenges is built on tiny moments, not giant leaps.
🌟 Want more guidance like this? In my free masterclass, Toddler Mealtime Meltdowns, I walk you through exactly how to respond when your toddler’s behavior feels confusing or frustrating—including two more hidden causes that most parents miss. Click Here to Sign-Up
Troubleshooting: When Sensory Struggles Still Pop Up
If your toddler still struggles even after using these steps, don’t panic. Here’s what to try:
✅ Go Smaller:
If touching the food feels like too much, start with just looking at it on the plate. Tiny exposures count.
✅ Use Play Outside Mealtimes:
Explore textures with non-food activities like playdough, water beads, or sensory bins.
Building sensory tolerance through play can make new foods feel less scary.
✅ Stay Consistent:
It can take dozens of exposures before a toddler feels comfortable.
(Research shows it can take 10–20+ positive exposures!)
✅ Celebrate Attempts, Not Outcomes:
If they touch, poke, sniff, or even lick and spit it out—that’s still sensory progress. 🎉
✅ Remember: Sensory Systems Mature Over Time
Some sensitivities naturally lessen as toddlers grow. You’re planting seeds now that will bloom later.
💡 And if you're thinking, “Okay, but what if my toddler’s behavior still doesn’t make sense?” you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created the Toddler Mealtime Meltdowns masterclass. It’s 100% free, and it’s packed with aha-moments to help you respond with confidence (not frustration). Click Here to Sign-Up
Your Quick-Start Plan for This Week
✅ Today: Offer one safe food alongside any new food at meals.
✅ Tomorrow: Watch for sensory reactions—notice textures, smells, or visuals they seem sensitive to.
✅ This Week: Celebrate exploration, not just eating.
✅ Going Forward: Lower pressure, validate feelings, and keep exposure playful and low-stakes.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Eating
If your toddler melts down, refuses foods they once loved, or acts "weird" around new foods—you’re not failing.
And they’re not being difficult.
They’re showing you what they’re feeling the only way they know how.
Today we tackled one hidden reason (sensory struggles)...
But guess what?
There are two more hidden causes behind toddler mealtime chaos—and once you know them, you'll feel so much more empowered and calm at the table. 💛
👉 I’m unpacking all three in depth during my free masterclass:
Toddler Mealtime Meltdowns: What’s Really Behind the Behavior (And How to Bring Calm to the Chaos). (Click Title to Join!)
Trust me, this is the stuff that changes mealtimes and how you see your toddler forever.
Question for You 👉:
What’s the funniest or weirdest food texture your toddler has ever rejected? I’d love to hear! 🍽️🥰
Tag me on Instagram @raisingmyteenagedtoddler!
