Disclaimer: Devoted Grandma is reader-supported. If you purchase anything through my site, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you.
Now, if you’ve ever had a grandchild sit at your kitchen table with their nose wrinkled, arms crossed, and lips sealed tighter than the pickle jar lid, then you know the challenge of a picky eater. And goodness, haven’t we all been there? You make something with love, maybe even from a handwritten recipe passed down through generations, only to hear: “Ew.”
But don’t worry, sweetie—this isn’t a battle to win, it’s a dance to learn. And the good news? We grandmas have something special up our sleeves: patience, creativity, and a whole lot of love. Here are 15 gentle, clever, and heartwarming things we can do when our grandkids get fussy with food.
1. Make it a game
Mealtime doesn’t always have to be serious. Try turning the plate into a playful moment. Call broccoli “tiny trees,” or peas “bouncy balls.” Maybe the carrots are swords, and the mashed potatoes are a snowy mountain they must brave. When food becomes part of an adventure, it’s much easier to take that first bite.
You could even make a “taste-testing” game. Create a little chart and give out stars or smiley faces for every new food they try—even if it’s just one tiny nibble.
2. Let them help in the kitchen
Children love to be involved, especially when it comes to things grown-ups do. Let them stir the pancake batter, rinse the fruit, or sprinkle the cheese. Give them their own apron or even a “chef’s hat.”
When they help create the meal, they’re more curious to taste it. It becomes their food, and with that comes pride—and usually, a little more willingness to give it a try.
3. Serve small portions
Big plates can be overwhelming for little eyes. When we pile on the food, they might shut down before even taking a bite. Start with just a spoonful or two of something new. That way, they don’t feel pressure, and they know they can always ask for more if they like it.
4. Offer choices (but not too many)
Instead of asking, “Do you want green beans?”—which almost guarantees a “no”—try “Would you like green beans or corn today?” Giving them just two options helps them feel in control without turning your kitchen into a buffet.
5. Don’t force it
One of the quickest ways to turn a child off from a food forever is to force them to eat it. Our job isn’t to pressure—it’s to patiently offer and lovingly encourage. If they don’t eat something today, it doesn’t mean they never will. Keep the peace at the table, and try again another day.
6. Be a calm role model
Children notice what we do more than what we say. If you’re enjoying your food, they’ll be more inclined to copy you. Try saying something like, “Mmm, this squash is so sweet today!” You’re not telling them what to do—you’re simply modeling curiosity and joy, and that’s contagious.
7. Repeat, repeat, repeat
Some studies say a child may need to be exposed to a new food 10–15 times before they accept it. That means offering the same thing, again and again, in a relaxed and pressure-free way. You’re planting little seeds with each exposure, and one day, that picky eater just might surprise you.
8. Try different textures
Sometimes it’s not the flavor that’s bothering them—it’s the texture. Maybe they hate cooked carrots but love them raw and crunchy. Or they can’t stand chunky tomato sauce but are fine with it blended smooth. Play around with different textures, and you might find the sweet spot.
9. Get creative with presentation
Don’t underestimate the power of a cute plate. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches into hearts or stars. Make fruit kebabs with colorful patterns. Turn a rice cake into a funny face with raisins, banana slices, and peanut butter.
We eat with our eyes first, and when food looks fun, even the pickiest eater might take a second look.
10. Blend and sneak when needed
Now, I’m not saying we should lie, but a little creativity never hurt anyone. A handful of spinach in a fruit smoothie? Zucchini hidden in muffins? Carrots pureed into pasta sauce? That’s just good kitchen magic.
Of course, we still want to expose them to whole veggies too—but sometimes, a little sneaky nutrition helps keep their diet balanced while we work on the rest.
11. Involve their imagination
Kids live in a world of make-believe. Let’s use that to our advantage. Pretend the plate is a “taste-testing lab,” and they’re the scientist. Or that they’re exploring new lands and trying rare jungle fruits (also known as mango or papaya). When food becomes part of the story, the pressure disappears.
12. Respect their appetite
Some days kids eat like a bird. Other days they eat like a bear before hibernation. That’s normal. Their appetites fluctuate more than ours. Try not to panic on low-appetite days. Keep offering nutritious options, but don’t take it personally if they don’t eat much. Trust their little bodies know what they need.
13. Celebrate small wins
Did they touch a new vegetable, smell it, or take the tiniest bite? That’s progress! Celebrate it. Clap, cheer, or give a big “I’m so proud of you for being brave!” Our encouragement helps them associate food with confidence and connection.
14. Keep calm at the table
A relaxed mealtime helps everyone. If we bring tension, the child picks up on it and eats even less. Keep conversations light and positive. Tell a funny story, sing a silly song, or ask them about their day. When the table is filled with warmth and laughter, kids feel safe—and food becomes more inviting.
15. Be patient with the process
Picky eating is often a phase, and it doesn’t define the child—or your cooking. You’re not failing, Grandma. You’re showing up with love, and that matters more than any clean plate.
Remember, we’re playing the long game here. The meals you make, the gentle encouragement you give, the joy you bring to the table—these are the moments they’ll carry with them. Someday, they’ll remember your patience, your stories, and how you made peas sound like tiny treasure balls from a green planet.
In the end…
Being a grandma isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. So if your little one only eats three bites of dinner but leaves your table feeling loved, seen, and accepted, you’ve done more than enough.
Now pour yourself a little cup of tea, tuck that recipe book back on the shelf, and know this: you’re doing a beautiful job.
And who knows? The grandchild who turns up their nose today might be the same one asking for your famous veggie soup recipe ten years from now. Keep the faith, Grandma. Keep the love. And always keep the napkins handy.
