1. They tell it like it is

First of all, kids are brutally honest. You can always count on them to tell you exactly what they think, no matter how much it hurts your feelings. I remember the first time I made my son a tofu scramble, thinking I was being all fancy and gourmet, only to have him spit it out and say "yucky". But you know what? I took his feedback to heart and made adjustments until I had the perfect tofu scramble recipe that he actually enjoys. Now, if only he could learn to say "delicious" instead of "yucky".

2. They understand the art of savoring

Kids have a refined palate. Sure, they might not like every vegetable under the sun, but when they do find something they enjoy, they'll savor every bite. Take my son, for example. He's not a huge fan of mushrooms, but he'll gladly devour a bowl of lentil soup. And let me tell you, the way he savors my overcooked mushy lentils is a thing of beauty. I almost feel like I should be taking notes.

3. They've figured out hunger cues

Kids are experts on portion control. My son might not be able to count to ten yet, but he knows when he's had enough to eat. And let me tell you, he's not afraid to let me know when he's done. I remember the time I made him a huge plate of vegan mac and cheese, thinking he'd gobble it up like he usually does. But after a few bites, he looked at me and said "all done". And you know what? I respected his decision and didn't force him to finish his meal. Because that's what they teach us at Parenting 101, right?

4. They appreciate the little things in life

Kids appreciate the little things. They might not be able to appreciate the finer points of molecular gastronomy, but they know when something tastes good. Take my son's love of avocado, for example. He doesn't care if it's mashed or sliced, as long as it's there on his plate. And when he takes that first bite and his eyes light up, it's like he's experiencing pure bliss. It's almost enough to make me forget about all the times he's thrown his food on the floor.

5. Seeing food in a whole new

Finally, kids have a unique perspective. They might not have years of culinary experience under their belts, but they see things in a way that adults just can't. Take my son's love of smoothies, for example. To him, a smoothie isn't just a drink, it's a work of art. He'll take a sip and then look at me with a big grin on his face, like he's just discovered the meaning of life. And you know what? I'm starting to see things his way. Because when a parent trying to feed a toddler, every victory, no matter how small, feels like a win.

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So there you have it - five reasons why kids make the best food critics, from the eyes of a mom just trying to make it in the world. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go make Oliver some tofu scramble. Hopefully, he'll say "delicious" this time.

Thanks for reading, happy eating!

Amy Kadz

Proud Owner