My little 5 year-old niece polished off a bucket of clams the other day while on vacation in Seattle. Her parents and sister combined ate about 5 clams out of the bucket, but my adorable, beanpole-thin niece claimed the rest for her own. And why not?

Meanwhile, many of my friends and I wonder whether our toddlers are eating too much, or not enough, or whether they are eating the right foods. My daughter is often considered a “good eater” by other moms, but I find that amusing since we have our own struggles. She eats, alright …. her own weight in fruit everyday it seems. And maybe that’s okay. My pediatrician doesn’t seem worried, but then I’m the mom and I need something to worry about.

It occurred to me that the toddler age group is often overlooked when it comes to dietary pyramids and teaching kids about food. A great deal is written about quick meals, sneaky foods, and picky eaters. But I’d like to devote this site to the opposite philosophy of children and food. How as parents and caregivers can we try to encourge toddlers to explore new foods, to participate in the growing of food and the preparation of meals, and finally in the enjoyment of dining with family and friends? “The Toddler Who Ate Everything” is a forum for exchanging ideas about what makes a “good eater”, resetting expectations about children and eating in today’s hectic world, and sharing recipes and tips for lovingly dining with our young loved ones.

Welcome!
-Crystal and Jen