As a parent, nothing quite prepares you for the emotional toll of watching your child struggle with eating. It can feel overwhelming and isolating at times, but you don’t have to face it alone. Zenia, founder of The Flavour Academy, helps  transform those moments of frustration and uncertainty into opportunities for growth, helping parents create positive, nourishing meal times filled with confidence and joy. Every child’s journey with food is unique, and in collaboration with parents, Zenia helps build a path that works best for you and your little one. 

Here are 5 things Zenia recommends when embarking on a weaning journey: 

1. Embrace a Sensory-Rich Environment

Encourage little ones to explore food through sight, smell, touch, and eventually taste. By letting them play with different textures—whether it’s squishing avocado or feeling the bumpy, waxy skin of an orange —you’re helping them build positive, low-pressure associations with eating.

2. Introduce Variety Early and Often

Whether it’s a new flavour like mild curry spices or a different food texture, variety stimulates curiosity and reduces picky eating down the road. Rotate through different fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains so your child’s palate stays open to new sensations all the time. 

3. Focus on Skill-Building Over Perfection

Learning to chew, swallow, and accept different tastes is a developmental milestone that takes time. Celebrate small wins—like a first bite or taste of a new food—instead of worrying about a clean plate. This shift in focus reduces stress for both you and your child creating more positive eating experiences. 

4. Maintain Consistency and Structure

Create a regular meal routine so your child knows when to expect food. A reliable rhythm helps them feel secure, which can make them more open to trying new foods. Even if they reject something at first, repeated exposure over time can change their mind. Did you know, it can take up to 15 exposures for your child to make a decision on whether they actually ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ a certain food or ingredient. 

5. Foster a Positive Mealtime Atmosphere

It’s really important to create a calm and positive mealtime environment. A few ways to do this include trying to share meals as a family whenever possible so your child can watch and learn from the adults around them. Having minimal distractions so your child is present and able to focus on the mealtime setting can be really helpful in promoting a sensory-rich environment. A calm, engaging environment often translates into a more curious and cooperative eater.

Remember, weaning is a journey—one filled with playful exploration, sticky hands, and the occasional challenge. Even if progress feels slow, those small, daily steps gradually shape a positive, lifelong relationship with food. Celebrate every new texture your child tries and every small milestone they reach. And never forget, you’re not alone in this process. If you ever need personalised support or reassurance along the way, I’m here to guide you through each stage, helping transform mealtimes into moments of joy and confidence for both you and your little one.