Picky eating is a common challenge in early childhood, but at Little Wonders Nursery, we’ve turned it into an opportunity to help children explore and enjoy food. Our approach is grounded in patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of children’s developmental stages.
One of our most successful strategies is introducing new foods in small, non-intimidating portions. For example, we might offer a single piece of steamed broccoli alongside familiar favourites like pasta or rice. This reduces pressure and encourages curiosity. We also use playful storytelling, where meals are part of an exciting adventure — “green trees” (broccoli) and “golden coins” (corn) become treasures to discover.
Another effective technique is involving children in the process. During our hands-on food preparation activities, toddlers help wash veggies or sprinkle toppings, which increases their willingness to try new dishes. Our staff also models good eating habits, sitting with the children to enjoy meals and positively reinforcing their choices.
We work closely with parents to understand each child’s preferences and ensure consistency between home and nursery. At Little Wonders, we celebrate small victories — even a single bite of a new food is a step towards developing a diverse and balanced palate.