Episode Title: How to Have a More Pleasant Thanksgiving With Your Picky Eater
Air Date: November 25, 2024
Christine Miroddi Yoder:
Hi, and welcome to another episode!
Today we’re talking about how you can have a more pleasant Thanksgiving with your extreme picky eater. I’ll share several practical suggestions, but before we dive in—if you’re new to my work, check out thepickyeaterstest.com. It’s a quick test that shows you how severe your child’s picky eating might be and gives you a place to start.
Right now, I also have limited openings for one-to-one calls if you’re unsure whether our Unlocking Mealtimes program is the right fit. We can go over your child’s needs and see if the program would help.
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1. Set Realistic Expectations
Thanksgiving is not the day to “fix” picky eating. It’s a day for family and gratitude, not battles at the dinner table.
Instead of expecting your child to suddenly try Aunt Susan’s famous casserole, redefine success. For example:
* Simply being in the same room with all the food and smells.
* Sitting at the table without melting down.
* Staying present with the family, even if they don’t eat.
Small steps count as wins.
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2. Create a Safe, Comfortable Environment
Know your child’s sensory profile. Big crowds, noise, and commotion can trigger overwhelm. Prepare by:
* Bringing headphones.
* Asking the host if there’s a quiet room your child can retreat to.
* Having a plan for breaks.
Even adults get overstimulated at big family gatherings—so it’s perfectly normal for kids to need downtime.
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3. Introduce Holiday Foods Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until Thanksgiving for your child’s first exposure to stuffing or cranberry sauce. Instead:
* Offer small, no-pressure exposures in the days before.
* Talk about the history of the foods.
* Read books that feature Thanksgiving meals.
* Play a fun game like Thanksgiving Food Bingo where kids mark off foods they spot at the table.
This takes the surprise and pressure out of seeing those foods on the big day.
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4. Serve Familiar Foods Alongside New Ones
Make sure your child has their preferred foods available at Thanksgiving. Bring some along if needed.
Place their safe foods on the same table or plate as the new foods, as close as your child can tolerate. Even looking at new foods next to familiar ones is a valuable step.
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5. Give Kids a Job
Let your child contribute to the celebration in a non-eating role:
* Decorating the table with crafts or a homemade centerpiece.
* Making food labels or signs for the buffet.
* Helping set the table or choose drinks.
These roles give them ownership, spark creativity, and shift the focus away from food battles.
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6. Use Positive Language (and Avoid Bribes)
Skip phrases like, “If you eat turkey, you’ll get dessert.” Bribes and pressure backfire.
Instead, focus on positives:
* “I’m so happy you’re sitting with us.”
* “Thank you for helping decorate the table.”
Keep rewards non-food-based and emphasize connection.
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7. Have a Plan for After the Meal
Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. Plan something calming afterward:
* Watch a movie together.
* Take a family walk.
* Have quiet playtime at home.
This reinforces trust. Your child learns, “Mom and Dad won’t make me eat things I’m not ready for.” That sense of safety builds confidence over time.
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Remember: It’s About More Than Food
Thanksgiving is about gratitude and togetherness, not whether your child ate turkey.
If your child doesn’t try new foods this year, it doesn’t mean they never will—it just means they don’t like them yet. That little word “yet” is so powerful. This is a journey, and every step forward counts.
I’ve seen even the most extreme cases—kids who only drank juice or only ate one food—make progress and learn to enjoy eating. It’s possible for your child too.
So, this holiday season, focus on connection, gratitude, and trust. Be thankful for the small wins, and hold confidence in the bigger breakthroughs still to come.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. I’ll see you next week!
