Grace Over Gravy: Loving Your Picky Eater This Thanksgiving

"Grace Over Gravy: Loving Your Picky Eater This Thanksgiving”

Dear Mama,

If you’re staring at your Thanksgiving menu wondering if your child will eat anything beyond a roll and a bite of pie—this one’s for you.

First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Across the country, millions of moms are plating turkey with love, knowing full well there’s a 90% chance their little one will say, “Ew, what’s that?”

And that’s okay.

Thanksgiving isn’t really about the food. (Yes, the food is amazing. Yes, we plan, prep, and Pinterest our way to mashed potato perfection.) But the heart of this holiday is connection, tradition, and being together—whether your child devours the stuffing or survives on a side of applesauce.

Here’s the truth: picky eating is often a phase, not a failure. You’re not a bad cook, and your child isn’t broken. They’re growing, developing, and figuring out what feels safe and familiar in a world of strong smells and strange textures. That one bite of turkey they might try? It’s a win. And even if they don’t—your table is still a place of love.

So here are a few gentle reminders as you head into the holiday:

Offer, don’t pressure. Put a little of everything on their plate if they’ll tolerate it, but let them choose what to try.

Serve one “safe” food. Rolls, plain mashed potatoes, or even sliced fruit can help them feel secure at the table.

Keep the mood light. Thanksgiving should be about joy, not stress. Let laughter fill the air, not battles over green beans.

Celebrate the moments, not the menu. Did they sit at the table longer than usual? Try a new bite? Help stir something earlier? That’s progress. That’s parenting gold.

Mama, you’re doing an amazing job. Your child is lucky to have you—someone who cares enough to worry, to try, and to keep showing up with love (and maybe a backup PB&J in your purse).

This Thanksgiving, let’s pour more grace than gravy. Let’s model patience, presence, and joy.

And if all else fails… there’s always pie. 😉

With love and a full heart,

A fellow mama in the trenches