A harried parent once said, “A hot dog a day keeps the tantrums away.”

It clearly wasn’t local mom Nancy Tringali Piho, whose new book, My Two-Year-Old Eats Octopus: Raising Children Who Love to Eat Everything, affectionately tackles the picky eater issue.

She dishes expert advice: avoid children’s menus, serve them whatever you’re having, continually offer new tastes and textures. Add a sprinkling of personal anecdotes (like the time she gave her toddler ceviche and he actually ate it), plus amusing morsels from chefs like Cathal Armstrong, who recalls getting his tiny kids to enjoy a multicourse dinner at Restaurant Boulud.

It’s all something to chew on.

Available online at amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

BUY
Hysteria Pop-Up Tots
What: The Old Town boutique launches a temporary spot with Bonpoint, Marie Chantal, Crewcuts, and Petit Bateau for a fraction of the cost.
Why: Do. not. delay.
When: Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Dec. 9-24., Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 125 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria (703-548-1615).

SHIVER
Merriment in Georgetown
What: The street festival spreads joy with free carriage rides, a performance by Milkshake, visits with Santa and Frosty, caroling, cocoa, and more.
Why: Dash away, dash away, dash away all.
When: Sun., 3-6 p.m.
Where: M St. & Wisconsin Ave. NW.

EAT
Baby Bento Boxes
What: Perrys introduces mini meals ($8) for small samurais when their adult dining companions order an entree.
Why: You’ll have to drag them outta there.
When: Thru Dec. 30. Mon., 5:30-7 p.m. & Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 1811 Columbia Rd. NW, at Biltmore St. (202-234-6218).

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon