Well, malkin I'm not a parent so maybe I'm not seeing certain things right here. I dunno.

But I was totally impressed to see my little 18-month old niece dig her hands into and stuffing her mouth with, chopped up steamed bok choy, pasta bow ties, mashed squash, rice, etc. She likes...green olives. Wow.

Her mother believes.. a parent should try a food (provided child is not allergic/sick from it) cooked in different ways...on a child 15-20 different times, before parent gives up. Of course, that could be over a period of months, years. She thinks alot parents don't gently try hard enough. It does take alot of patience.

Mother is a doctor.