1 in 3 Parents Say They’re Judged for What Their Kids Eat

Feeding young kids is messy enough without a side of judgment. But according to a new study conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Serenity Kids, nearly 30% of parents say they’ve felt judged by other parents over what their child eats.

Whether it’s a toddler who’d rather live on mac and cheese or a preschooler who refuses anything green, parents in the survey said they’ve faced plenty of unsolicited opinions about “healthy” eating. “I once packed my toddler mac and cheese for daycare, and another parent gave me a look and said, 'Wow, carbs and cheese for lunch?’" shared one parent in the survey. "I laughed it off, but inside I felt that sting — like I’d failed some invisible parenting standard — when really, my kid was just thrilled to eat it.”

This pressure adds up beyond just little slights. Parents of young kids reported worrying about their children 58 times a day—everything from what’s for dinner to how safe they are—totaling over 21,000 moments of worry per year.

Time also plays a major role. Two-thirds of parents (65%) said it’s their biggest barrier to healthy eating, while half admitted they struggle to maintain nutritional standards when they’re on the go. And for many, the toughest critic isn’t another parent at all—it’s themselves. Sixty-eight percent confessed they’re harder on themselves than they should be when they feel like they’ve “messed up” as a parent.

Still, parents are doing their best to strike a balance. Nearly 9 in 10 said their top priority is creating a balanced diet and fostering a positive relationship with food. Protein, veggies and variety ranked highest on their nutritional wish list—though 91% of parents of young kids admitted they’re working with picky eaters.

“It’s striking to see that parents overwhelmingly prioritize balance, protein and variety in their children’s diets—even when time is limited and picky eating is a challenge,” said Jennifer Beechen, senior vice president of marketing at Serenity Kids. “These results highlight both the difficulty and the determination parents show in making food choices that support long-term well-being.”

So if your toddler’s lunchbox looks more beige than green, you’re in good company. Parents everywhere are doing their best.