Sara McGinnis
posted in CelebritiesCurtis Stone ought to know by now strong opinions about picky eaters can easily spark a debate, but nonetheless this celebrity chef is still strong in his no-substitutions-allowed stance.
During a recent interview the father of 4-year-old Hudson and 1-year-old Emerson advised parents of picky eaters not to give in.
"Say you make a fish pie and the kids won't eat it; I'd wrap it up, put it away and offer it again later when they're hungry," he explained. "I think the problem is too many parents worry about their kids being hungry that they let their children dictate what they eat."
Most controversially of all, Curtis said: "I don't see the big deal in letting kids go hungry a few times. They'll eat when they’re hungry."
Parents who struggle daily with picky eaters, as well as some who agree with Curtis Stone's approach, have spoken out with their stories. After hearing from them all, the chef softened his stance just a bit on Twitter.
Interesting debate around #fussyeaters today- I think I started something!! I have 2 boys under 4 I get it, the struggle is real
— Chef Curtis Stone (@CurtisStone) March 14, 2016
I’ve always found persistence, feeding kids when hungry & cooking/eating as a family works for me- interested to hear what works for u guys
— Chef Curtis Stone (@CurtisStone) March 14, 2016
Guys thanks for your tweets today on #fussyeaters. I’m also seeing people’s stories of kids w certain disorders & serious food phobias..cont
— Chef Curtis Stone (@CurtisStone) March 15, 2016
& allergies and the extra tough struggle they are faced with when feeding their children...
— Chef Curtis Stone (@CurtisStone) March 15, 2016
I agree with you wholeheartedly– #fussyeaters vs. food phobias and food allergies are two different issues.
— Chef Curtis Stone (@CurtisStone) March 15, 2016
Having known to wonderful moms who ended up with extremely picky eaters, I can't personally get behind Curtis Stone's advice. There are some kids out there who truly will go hungry rather than eat food they don't like! Both friends of mine were advised by their child's pediatrician to let them eat whatever their kids would tolerate because they were beginning to not just fall behind in growth but actually lose weight.
Beyond that, dealing with a child who has skipped a meal because their adult was being equally stubborn is no fun for anyone. Perhaps you know the term hangry? I'm a wreck when I don't eat on a regular basis, and my kids are no different. They're exhausted and hungry, and even more prone to tantrums.
Obviously I don't advocate not trying to introduce a variety of foods at all, but I don't take anywhere near as hard of a stance as Curtis when dealing with toddlers. Things change over time (somehow my kids started out good eaters and have become pickier as they've aged), and I just can't see the point in battling continuously.
Photo: PR Photos
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