Every parent has watched a lovingly prepared meal get decisively pushed off a high-chair tray. Our kitchen team has seen it roughly ten thousand times — and they still believe every child can learn to love good food. Here's the gentle approach that works in our meal area.
One family meal, no short orders
Everyone eats the same lunch at Cedarnook, babies included (textures adapted). Children are far braver eaters in a group, and no child gets labelled "the picky one." Menus go home weekly so families can echo new foods at dinner.
Exposure without pressure
It can take fifteen encounters before a child accepts a new food. Our rule: the food appears, the child decides. Tasting is celebrated, declining is respected, and "just a lick" counts as a victory worth announcing.
Grow it, then eat it
Preschoolers tend the raised beds where our herbs and salads grow. A child who watered the basil for six weeks will absolutely try the pesto — ownership is the finest seasoning we know.
Allergies, taken seriously
Every allergy and intolerance is documented with parents, displayed discreetly in the kitchen, and double-checked at every serving. Alternative plates match the main meal as closely as possible, so no child feels different at the table.
Food is joy, fuel, and togetherness — never a battleground. Keep offering, stay relaxed, and trust that today's floor-bound broccoli is tomorrow's favourite.
Written by Daniel P.
Nutrition & Outdoor Play — runs our kitchen garden and meal area