If your child grimaces at broccoli or negotiates their way out of every bite of spinach, you’re not alone. Forcing veggies may seem like a necessary step in raising healthy eaters, but it often leads to resistance, power struggles, and long-term food aversions. Many parents think persistence equals progress—but when it comes to vegetables, pressure can do more harm than good. Fortunately, there are smarter, more peaceful ways to encourage veggie-loving habits that stick. Here’s why forcing veggies often fails and what you can do instead to turn picky eaters into enthusiastic participants at the dinner table.
