The One Sentence Every Parent of a Fussy Eater Needs...

(Hint: It might just save your sanity at dinner time)

If you've ever found yourself doing a one-woman Broadway performance just to get three peas into your child’s mouth, you're not alone. And yes, we see you—you’ve tried planes, trains, and full-blown musical numbers. Still, your child has developed the curious superpower of spotting a speck of parsley from across the room and collapsing in despair.

Here’s the thing: mealtimes don’t need to feel like a battlefield.

Want to know the one sentence that can change everything? The magic phrase that will transform your dinner table into a more peaceful place?

"You decide how much to eat."

I know. It sounds too simple. But this one sentence—rooted in a powerful approach called the Division of Responsibility—can make all the difference.

So what is the Division of Responsibility, anyway?

It’s a feeding model developed by dietitian Ellyn Satter, and it goes like this:

You (the parent) decide what, when, and where food is offered.

Your child decides if they eat, and how much.

That’s it. That’s the rulebook. Burn the rest (especially the one that told you to bargain bites of broccoli for dessert).

Why does this work?

Because power struggles at the table are exhausting—and usually end in a stalemate where the peas remain untouched and everyone’s cranky. When we respect a child’s autonomy over their own appetite, we do two powerful things:

We reduce pressure, which is one of the biggest reasons kids push back against food in the first place.

We build trust, showing kids that we believe their bodies can guide them (spoiler: they can).

Real Talk: It’s not instant magic

Let’s be honest: saying “you decide how much to eat” doesn’t mean your child will suddenly gobble up the stir-fry and ask for seconds. It might look like them eating two bites and declaring they’re done. And that’s okay.

Because what you’re doing is setting the stage for long-term, low-pressure food confidence—not a short-term fix. And mealtimes? They’ll feel less like hostage negotiations and more like... meals.

Try this tonight:

At your next meal, instead of “Just two more bites,” try:

“It’s up to you how much you eat.”

Say it casually. Say it with confidence. Say it even if your inner voice is panicking. Then sit back, take a deep breath, and let your child take the lead.

They might surprise you. Or not. Either way—you’ve just taken a powerful step toward calmer, happier mealtimes.

Want more tips to transform Fussy Eating?

Download my free Fussy to Foody Starter Kit and join other parents turning stress into success—one bite at a time.