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What if the reason your child is still picky has almost nothing to do with the food? You've tried the “just one bite.” You've made the backup meal. You've kept offering the broccoli. You may have even told yourself, Maybe they'll just grow out of it. But there may be something happening underneath the picky […] The post Before You Try Another Picky Eating Trick, Listen to This [this episode will DELETE soon] appeared first on Nutrition for Littles.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, to discuss her new book, Feed Them Well, releasing September 8, 2026. They talk about how parents can tune out fear-based nutrition messaging—including concerns about ingredients like Red Dye 40—and look past the marketing of “healthy” foods and hyper-palatable “healthy swaps.”They also discuss what really matters when feeding kids, including prioritizing protein and fiber, understanding normal changes in appetite (especially during the toddler years), and helping prevent extreme picky eating through repeated food exposure, coming to meals hungry, and therapeutic food play. Jennifer also explains the nuance around “pressure to eat” and offers an important reminder for parents: you're probably doing a better job feeding your kids than you think.Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian and the founder of Kids Eat in Color, a trusted resource that helps families navigate picky eating and raise healthy, confident eaters without fear or pressure. Through Kids Eat in Color, she offers practical nutrition resources, meal-planning tools, and programs for families looking for support with feeding and picky eating. You can also find her on Instagram at @kids.eat.in.color, where she shares approachable, evidence-based advice for feeding kids.Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessicaYouTube: Ask Dr JessicaShop my favorite products for kids on Amazon hereIf you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.
Is your child's relationship with food already shaped by guilt, fear, or "good food/bad food" rules — even before they can talk? Registered dietitian Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to unpack "embodied independence" — the idea that raising confident eaters means combining a healthy relationship with food and the practical skills to take care of one's body. This is a must-listen for any parent trying to raise a healthy eater without passing down diet culture baggage. What you'll learn: Why labeling foods "good" or "bad" creates food rules, guilt, and inflexible thinking later in life Practical scripts for introducing dessert without using food as a reward or a bargaining chip Red flags for extreme picky eating and ARFID — and when to bring concerns to your pediatrician The "sit, connect, and expose" approach that gets even the pickiest toddlers trying new foods How to set boundaries with grandparents and relatives around sweets and body comments
Send us Fan MailHow can parents help children develop a healthy relationship with food without turning every meal into a battle?In this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Solano, Curriculum Director at Young Chefs Academy.Rachel has extensive experience teaching both adults and children, and today she helps create cooking programs designed to build children's confidence, curiosity, independence, and practical kitchen skills.We discuss why children are often more willing to taste foods they have helped prepare, how parents can respond to picky eating without pressure, and why repeatedly exposing children to new foods can be more effective than forcing them to eat.Rachel also shares age-appropriate ways children can help in the kitchen, practical ideas for busy families, and why family meals without screens can support healthier eating habits and stronger relationships.We also explore how adults may unintentionally pass down food fears, dieting habits, body criticism, and emotional associations with food—and what parents can do differently.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why involving children in cooking can increase their willingness to try food• How early children can begin helping in the kitchen• Age-appropriate kitchen tasks for young children, school-age children, and teenagers• Why repeated exposure matters with unfamiliar foods• How to respond when a child says, “I don't like it”• Whether children should be asked to take one bite• Why preparing a completely separate meal may not be necessary• How to include children in meal planning• Why labeling a child as a “picky eater” may reinforce that identity• Why food should not be used as a reward• Whether children should be required to finish everything on their plate• How to help children recognize hunger and fullness• Why family meals without screens matter• How parents unintentionally pass down food fears and dieting habits• One simple way families can start cooking together this weekConnect with Young Chefs AcademyWebsite:https://youngchefsacademy.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/YoungChefsAcademyInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/youngchefsacademy/Connect with Rachel SolanoInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/racheljsolano/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rachel.solano.338Connect with Turo VirtaCoaching and fitness:https://personaltrainerturo.itFitMitTuro Fitness Podcast:https://www.fitmitturo.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/personaltrainer_turoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@personaltrainer_turoIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a parent or grandparent who wants to create a healthier and more positive relationship with food at home.Try The Consistency ResetMy new personalized coaching app for women 35–55 who are tired of starting over with diets, workouts, and healthy habits.Get simple daily actions, realistic workouts, practical nutrition habits, and Reset Mode to help you keep going when life gets busy.Take the quiz and build your personalized plan here: studio.com/turo/consistency-reset
I've had so many incredible conversations about parenting over the years that I wanted to bring some of my favorites together in one episode. We cover everything from picky eating and meal prep to airway health, sleep, environmental toxins, and raising resilient kids. → Leave Us A Voice Message! Topics Discussed: → Why is my child a picky eater? → Can snoring affect my child's brain? → How can I reduce toxins at home? → What causes kids to feel dysregulated? → How can I help my child sleep better? Sponsored By: → Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at https://bewellbykelly.com.→ Timeline | Timeline's clinically proven formula is now available at a new, lower price. Mitopure now starts at $79, when you subscribe at https://timeline.com/KELLY → Fatty 15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/KELLY15 and using code KELLY15 at checkout. → Kosterina | You can shop all my favorites at https://www.kosterina.com/bewell and use code KELLY for 15% off your first order. Timestamps: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:00:58 - Rachel Mansfield: Meal Prep For Families → 00:02:35 - Grocery Shopping → 00:05:28 - Favorite Meals → 00:12:07 - Kitchen Appliances → 00:14:16 - Picky Eating → 00:17:01 - Lindsay Dahl: Baby + toddler safety → 00:19:27 - Lowering Your Toxic Load → 00:24:54 - Testing Your Toxic Load → 00:27:21 - Legislation Changes → 00:29:55 - Third Party Testing → 00:32:55 - PFAs + Heavy Metals → 00:36:40 - Dr. Tracy Tran: Airway Health Explained → 00:41:33 - ADHD + Sleep Breathing → 00:43:31 - Adenoid Face + Tongue Ties → 00:48:50 - Kids' Sleep Issues → 00:49:48 - Healthy Face Development → 00:51:21 - Airway Expansion → 00:53:54 - Alyssa Campbell: Guiding Kids Through Big Emotions → 00:57:54 - Connecting With Your Child → 01:00:58 - Needs + Emotions → 01:05:20 - Big Kid Issues Further Listening: → Picky Eaters, Family Dinners, + Stress-Free Meal Systems | Rachel Mansfield → How to Protect Your Family from Everyday Toxins | Lindsay Dahl → Tongue Ties & Sleep Issues Every Parent Should Know | Dr. Tracy Tran → Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Raising Confident and Connected Children | Alyssa Campbell Check Out Rachel: → Website: https://cadootz!.com/ → Instagram: Instagram → New Book Check Out Lindsay: → Website: https://lindsaydahl.com/ → Instagram: @lindsay_dahl → Book: Cleaning House Check Out Dr. Tracy Tran: → Instagram: @drtracytran → Website: https://www.drtracytran.com/ Check Out Alyssa: → Instagram: @seed.and.sew → Website: Seed & Sew → Book: Big Kids, Bigger Feelings → Podcast: Voices of Your Village → Free Resources Check Out Kelly: → Instagram → Youtube → Facebook
Dave meets someone who worked at an iconic restaurant, but in an unusual way...they also talk about picky eaters, and how being a parent can involve some bribery.For your chance to sit at our counter in Los Angeles, write us at tickets@majordomomedia.com with your name, social media handle, and a little about yourself. With Vrbo, what you book is what you get. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Send us Fan MailFor years, many of us have assumed that toddlers are naturally picky—that children are simply born preferring bland foods, avoiding vegetables, and rejecting anything unfamiliar. But what if that's not actually true?This week I'm joined by historian Helen Zoe Veit, author of Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History. Together we explore how picky eating became so common, why children in previous generations—and in many cultures around the world—ate the same foods as adults, and what history can teach us about raising confident, adventurous eaters today. We discuss:Why picky eating wasn't always considered "normal"The surprising history behind children's menus and snack cultureWhether kids really have more sensitive taste budsWhy hunger between meals mattersThe role of structure versus pressure at the dinner tableWhy children around the world often eat the same foods as their parentsPractical ways parents can expand their child's palate without power strugglesThis conversation is encouraging, evidence-informed, and full of practical ideas that may help make family meals less stressful—and a lot more enjoyable.About Helen Zoe VeitHelen Zoe Veit is an award-winning historian, writer, and professor of history at Michigan State University. She specializes in the history of food in America and is the director of the What America Ate project. She is the author of Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History, which explores how modern ideas about children's eating developed—and what history suggests we can do differently today. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessicaYouTube: Ask Dr JessicaShop my favorite products for kids on Amazon hereIf you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA The information ...
Picky eating is often treated as a behaviour problem, but what if it is actually a sign that something deeper is going on? In this episode, we explore the hidden factors that can influence how children eat, from gut health and nutrient deficiencies to nervous system regulation and sensory processing. I am talking to Lena Livinsky, an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist. Lena shares how her own experience parenting a child with severe picky eating changed the way she approaches feeding therapy and why she now views picky eating as a symptom, not a diagnosis. Lena and I talk about: • Why picky eating is often connected to underlying health issues• How gut health and the gut-brain connection can affect cravings, appetite, and food preferences• The role blood sugar regulation plays in mood, energy, and sugar cravings• How nervous system dysregulation can impact mealtimes and feeding behaviours• Why stress at the table can make picky eating worse for both children and parents• How sensory sensitivities influence food texture preferences and eating habits• The connection between nutrient deficiencies and picky eating• Why zinc deficiency may contribute to sensory challenges and food aversions• Practical ways to support gut health and nervous system regulation at home• How outdoor time and sunlight may support the microbiome and overall wellbeing• The importance of oral motor skills and safe chewing when introducing new foods• Why connection and emotional safety matter at the table• How to set realistic and developmentally appropriate mealtime boundaries• The difference between selective eating and true picky eating• What it can look like to support children without pressure, shame, or force around food Lena Livinsky is an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist who supports families navigating picky eating and feeding challenges. With more than 14 years of experience, Lena combines feeding therapy with a whole-child approach that considers gut health, nervous system regulation, sensory processing, oral motor skills, and nutrition. She works with families through coaching, workshops, and education to help children feel safer, more connected, and more confident around food. Say to ho Lena on Instagram Learn from all the resources Lena has on her website Listen to the Livin'Sky Podcast Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom. Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods. Resources I Am Loving Squat Seat – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount. The Brain Health Movement – Whole Child Healing Roadmap is a science-backed courses that decode the root causes of your child's struggles. Get £200 off with code WILDANDWELLBON CHARGE – Red light devices. Get 15% off with the code: WILDANDWELLFertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children's wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family's natural kids' health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. I would never recommend anything I don't regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend.
For generations, parents have been told that picky eating is normal, inevitable, and just part of raising kids. But what if that's not true? What if picky eating is actually a modern phenomenon—and one we've unintentionally created? In this episode, Nicole sits down with historian, professor, and author Helen Zoe Veit to explore the surprising history behind children's eating habits. Drawing from her book Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History, Helen reveals how kids once ate everything from bitter greens to spicy foods and why modern parenting, nutrition advice, convenience foods, and fear-based messaging may have changed that. Together, they unpack what parents can learn from history, how to build curiosity around food, and why confidence—not control—may be the missing ingredient at the dinner table. In This Episode We Discuss: Why picky eating is a relatively recent phenomenon in American history How children in the 19th century developed adventurous palates The role of nutrition science in changing children's diets Why modern parents feel so much pressure around food and feeding The difference between food neophobia and true picky eating How repeated exposure helps children learn to enjoy new foods Why separate "kids' meals" may be contributing to the problem The impact of snacks, convenience foods, and ultra-processed foods How confidence and consistency can transform family mealtimes The connection between food, curiosity, joy, and lifelong health This conversation is a powerful reminder that children may be capable of far more than we give them credit for—and that curiosity, resilience, and openness can all be nurtured one bite at a time. Thank you to our sponsors! Elevate your summer wardrobe: Go to Quince.com/tiww for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Go to https://CovePure.com/tiww to get $250 off. Thanks to CovePure for sponsoring this episode! Connect with Helen: Book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250402509/picky/ Website: http://www.helenveit.com/ Related Podcast Episodes: The Good Mother Myth with Nancy Reddy | 274 FACTS About Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids with Alyssa Blask Campbell M.Ed | 345 How To Build Girls' Confidence with Cyndi Roy Gonzalez | 308 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Somewhere between 20-50% of children are picky eaters at some point in early childhood, and many of us assume that's just how kids naturally are. But after historian Helen Zoe Veit spent more than a decade reading memoirs, cookbooks and parenting manuals from the past 200 years, she came to a radically different conclusion: picky eating is not inevitable. It is a modern cultural phenomenon. She tells Anita how we got here — to the age of bland kids' menus and dinner tables ruled by toddlers yelling ‘yucky!' Plus what lessons history has for modern-day parents.Meet the guest:- Helen Zoe Veit is the author of “Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History” and an associate professor of history at Michigan State UniversityRead the transcript | Review the podcast on your preferred platformFollow Embodied on Instagram Leave a message for Embodied
Get ready for a Nap-tastic episode that will feed your parenting knowledge and potty humor! Join us and expert guest Dr. Tanya Altmann (@DrTanyaAltmann) as we unravel the secrets of infant sleep, tackle the picky eating habits of little ones, and flush out the best tips for stress-free potty training. It's a diaper-changing experience you won't want to miss!Click here for show notes!
Some kids are picky eaters, but when does it become something more?Feeding challenges can feel overwhelming for families, especially when mealtimes become stressful, food choices become extremely limited, or concerns about nutrition start to grow. That's why I was excited to welcome feeding specialist Margaryta Kuzmin to the podcast. Together, we unpacked the difference between typical picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders, and why early support can make such a meaningful difference.Margaryta shares the developmental reasons many children go through selective eating phases, along with important red flags that may signal a deeper concern. We also explore why feeding difficulties are rarely about food alone. Medical, nutritional, motor, sensory, and social factors can all play a role. I especially loved our discussion about how providers can approach these conversations with families in a supportive, compassionate way.Whether you're a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, educator, or parent, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration and why feeding concerns deserve attention early on.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:The difference between picky eating and pediatric feeding disordersCommon feeding red flags that professionals and parents should watch forWhy medical, nutritional, sensory, and motor factors all matterThe professionals who make up a strong feeding team and how they work togetherMentioned In This Episode:Feeding MattersKuzmin SLPMargaryta Kuzmin on InstagramEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Does dinnertime feel like the most stressful part of your day? Maybe your toddler refuses dinner, takes three bites and declares they're done, or suddenly becomes ravenous right as you're starting the bedtime routine. Allison is joined by pediatric dietitian Kathy O'Bryan to discuss one of the biggest sources of stress for parents of toddlers: mealtime. Kathy shares practical strategies to help parents take the pressure off dinnertime, understand what normal toddler eating actually looks like, and build healthy feeding habits that support both nutrition and family connection. Together, Allison and Kathy discuss why parents shouldn't put all of their eggs in the dinnertime basket, how daycare schedules can affect evening eating habits, and why a successful meal isn't always measured by how much your child eats. They also explore the connection between feeding, sleep, routines, and reducing the mental load that so many parents carry around meals. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why toddlers often eat less at dinner than parents expect • How to evaluate your child's nutrition over days and weeks, not individual meals • What "successful" mealtimes really look like • How to reduce pressure around picky eating • Why family meals matter even when life feels busy • Simple ways to make dinnertime feel less stressful and more connected • How your own nutrition and self-care affect your parenting Whether you're navigating picky eating, dinnertime battles, or simply wondering if your toddler is eating enough, this conversation will leave you feeling more confident and less stressed. Learn more about Kathy O'Bryan at her website or on Instagram
¿Tu hijo come solamente unos cuantos alimentos? ¿Rechaza ciertas texturas, colores o temperaturas? ¿Las comidas se han convertido en un momento de estrés, negociación o preocupación constante? En este episodio abordamos una de las inquietudes más frecuentes en la alimentación infantil: la selectividad alimentaria. ¿Es simplemente una etapa normal del desarrollo, conocida como picky eating, o podría tratarse de algo más complejo como ARFID (Trastorno de Evitación/Restricción de la Ingesta de Alimentos)? Para responder estas preguntas nos acompaña la Dra. Cipatli Ayuzo del Valle, pediatra, investigadora y directora de la Clínica de Adolescentes del Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, quien nos ayuda a entender qué es normal, qué no lo es y cuáles son las señales que justifican una evaluación especializada. Hablamos sobre cómo evoluciona el apetito durante la infancia, qué factores aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar problemas de alimentación, cuáles son los distintos perfiles de ARFID y cómo esta condición puede afectar el crecimiento, el estado nutricional, la salud emocional y la dinámica familiar. Además, discutimos estrategias prácticas para padres y cuidadores, qué errores suelen empeorar el problema y qué intervenciones tienen mejor respaldo científico para favorecer una relación saludable con los alimentos. Un episodio indispensable para padres, profesionales de la salud, educadores y cualquier persona que conviva con niños que presentan dificultades para comer. Porque no todos los niños que son "picky" para comer tienen un trastorno alimentario, pero identificar las señales correctas puede hacer una enorme diferencia en su salud y bienestar.
What do you do when you've experienced years of symptoms and no real answers?In this episode of Follow Your Gut, Juniper shares her deeply personal story of trying to heal her son after years of reflux, eczema, food allergies, mucus-filled stools, allergies, explosive meltdowns, and being dismissed by professional after professional.This episode is for the woman or mother who knows something is off, even when labs look “normal,” even when she's told her child will “grow out of it,” and when every answer she's given feels partial, temporary, or disconnected.You'll learn why symptoms are not your body betraying you, but communication from a body asking for deeper support. Juniper explains why the body doesn't work in separate rooms, how symptoms that look unrelated are all connect back to the gut, and why clarity is the first step toward real healing.If you've been searching for answers for yourself, your child, or both, this episode will help you begin listening to the body differently.Thanks for listening! I would love to connect with you ♡Subscribe to the Nourished NewsletterExplore the Gut Rebalance KitsVisit our FAQ'sFollow along on a InstagramTake the free Gut Health QuizEmail us at customercare@onleorganics.comSending love and wellness from my family yours,xx - Juniper BennettFounder of ōNLē ORGANICS
This week, the Moms on Call podcast continues the Toddler Essentials series focusing on helping parents create positive, low-stress mealtime experiences for toddlers by clarifying roles, adjusting expectations, and tailoring strategies to different child temperaments. Laura and Jennifer will explain why parents are responsible for providing a variety of tasty, age-appropriate foods, while toddlers decide whether and how much to eat. They highlight the importance of atmosphere—parents eating alongside their children, keeping conversation light and fun, avoiding excessive focus on the child, and maintaining predictable mealtimes to support toddlers' internal rhythms.
My best summertime picky eating tips shared! Outdoor high chair linked here Popsicle molds linked here and here Loving the podcast but looking for more? Head over to my Instagram account @nutrition.for.littles where I drop almost daily content helping you change the mealtime environment in your home (make sure to watch my stories where I teach and […] The post Picky Eating in the Summer [Must Try Tips and Tricks] appeared first on Nutrition for Littles.
What if picky eating isn't your child's fault—but how we're feeding them? In this episode, I sit down with Erica Bethe Levin, founder of Globowl, the baby food brand redefining how kids experience food from their very first bites. After struggling with picky eating with her first child, Erica took a completely different approach the second time—introducing bold, globally inspired flavors like curry and spices early on, with powerful results. We talk about the critical “flavor window,” why early allergen exposure matters, how gut health is tied to food diversity, and why traditional “kid food” may be setting our children up to fail. Erica also shares her journey from the world of high-end food and Michelin-star influence to launching a fast-growing company—and what she learned along the way, including her experience on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars. If you've ever dealt with picky eating, questioned what your kids should be eating, or want to raise adventurous, healthy eaters, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this insightful and practical conversation, we sit down with Katie Kimball, founder of Kids Cook Real Food and author of Kids Cook Real Food: Healthy Kids, Happy Moms, to explore the real story behind picky eating.If mealtimes in your home feel like a constant battle, this episode offers a refreshing and evidence-informed perspective. Katie challenges the common belief that picky eating is simply about stubbornness or defiance, and instead helps parents understand the developmental, sensory, and relational factors that shape how children engage with food.We talk about why pressure, bribing, and “just one more bite” often backfire, and what actually helps children build confidence and curiosity around food. Katie shares simple, practical strategies that support autonomy, reduce stress at the table, and create a more positive mealtime experience for the whole family.This episode is especially helpful for parents who feel stuck, frustrated, or worried about their child's eating habits, and are looking for a more connected, sustainable approach.In this episode, we discuss:• Why picky eating is rarely just about the food• How pressure and control can make mealtimes harder• The role of independence and life skills in expanding food choices• Simple ways to involve kids in cooking and build confidence• How to create calm, connected, and successful mealtime routinesThis is a conversation about shifting the dynamic at the table, moving away from power struggles, and supporting children in developing a healthy, lifelong relationship with food.AuraYour kid's digital life doesn't come with a playbook.But that doesn't mean you have to stay in the dark.That's where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights.So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid.It's not about control—it's about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world.Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Picky eating is not something parents simply have to "deal with." There are strategies they can use to help expand the diets of their children. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay sits down with ADHD Thrive Institute coach Andrea Daigle to unpack what's really behind picky eating. You'll learn why some kids rely on "safe foods," how texture sensitivity and digestion issues can drive food resistance, and why forcing bites may actually make things worse. You'll also discover that many children with ADHD who struggle at the dinner table are actually responding to deeper biological signals. Andrea shares simple, practical strategies parents can start using immediately—including the powerful "add, don't subtract" method and the easy-to-implement cheese grater strategy that helps expand your child's diet without triggering overwhelm. If mealtimes feel like a daily battle, this episode will give you a new perspective and a clear, compassionate path forward. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ Book a ADHD Breakthrough Call: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] The emotional reality of mealtime struggles [04:00] Picky eating as a nervous system and gut signal [05:42] Why pressure and forcing bites backfires [07:44] "Add, don't subtract" strategy explained [09:26] Cheese grater strategy for texture sensitivity [12:00] When picky eating becomes a red flag [12:47] Gut health and digestion as foundational drivers [13:57] Sensory issues and nutrient deficiencies [15:40] One simple action parents can start today [16:15] Why repetition (15–20 exposures) matters MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Picky eating is rarely ever just a behavior problem." "It's their nervous system saying, this just doesn't feel safe right now." "Even the slightest pressure like just try one bite can trigger a defensive response." "Instead of taking foods away, let's start upgrading what they're already eating." "When you barely change that texture, the nervous system does not react." "We can't change picky eating for a child whose body is uncomfortable." "Zinc deficiency… changes the way that you taste food." "We want to look at all the pieces of the puzzle." "It can take 15 to 20 times for a kid to accept a new flavor." Schedule a free call with Andrea and the team of ADHD Thrive Institute - https://bit.ly/3X5ZVvT DANA KAY RESOURCES
"Picky eater" is one of the most common labels in pediatrics and one of the easiest to overlook. But when a child's diet is shrinking instead of expanding, when meals are a source of stress instead of routine, or when growth and nutrition start to feel like a question mark, it's worth taking a second look. In this episode, we're discussing ARFID: what it looks like in clinic, how to spot the difference from typical picky eating, and how to approach these patients with a sharper clinical lens. In this episode, we are joined by Kimberly Sheffield, PhD. She is an eating disorders psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as the Clinical Director of Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) day programs, and the Associate Training Director for Psychology Training. Some highlights from this episode include: Specific growth or nutrition patterns that should raise suspicion of ARFID Treatment options pediatricians can manage in clinic Overlap between ARFID and neurodiversity Patterns to look for in certain age groups This episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent is Colorado's largest credit union serving more than 550,000 members at 60 service centers across the Front Range. Ent generously responded to Children's Colorado's State of Emergency for pediatric mental health in 2021 and is pleased to support this episode. Visit ent.com, insured by NCUA. For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.
Fear Foods: Why ARFID Is Much More Than Just ‘Picky Eating' While food is often the centerpiece of social connection, those living with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, fear these daily meals. Unlike many other eating disorders, this condition is driven by sensory sensitivities or a lack of interest in eating rather than concerns over body weight or composition. Our experts explore treatment options and the reality of navigating a world focused on food when the very act of consuming it feels like an exhausting chore. Guests: Dr. Kamryn Eddy, professor of psychology, Harvard Medical School, Co-Director, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program Cassidy Arvidson, ARFID advocate The Secret To Productivity: The Big Three Factors Every Space Needs The physical environments where we live, work, and play have a profound impact on our mental state and productivity. Our emotional well-being in any given setting is determined by a psychological formula known as “The Big Three." Leidy Klotz explains these core needs and how we can intentionally design and seek out spaces that help us thrive. Guest: Leidy Klotz, professor, University of Virginia, author, In A Good Place Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Fear Foods: Why ARFID Is Much More Than Just ‘Picky Eating' While food is often the centerpiece of social connection, those living with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, fear these daily meals. Unlike many other eating disorders, this condition is driven by sensory sensitivities or a lack of interest in eating rather than concerns over body weight or composition. Our experts explore treatment options and the reality of navigating a world focused on food when the very act of consuming it feels like an exhausting chore. Guest: Dr. Kamryn Eddy, professor of psychology, Harvard Medical School, Co-Director, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program; Cassidy Arvidson, ARFID advocate Host & Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Food is more than what's on the plate—it shapes how our families think about gratitude, choice, and contentment. In this episode, the team talks picky eating, dessert debates, and how different approaches to food play out at home. Through Scripture and real-life stories, they explore how abundance can dull gratitude, why variety matters, and how everyday meals (and occasional feasts) can point our kids toward a healthier, more meaningful relationship with food.Takeaways Gratitude—not restriction—should shape how we approach foodVariety helps build flexibility and contentment over timeFeasting is good, but it's meaningful because it's not constantKids (and adults) often struggle with food because of expectations, not needSmall moments—like praying before meals—can reframe everythingChapters00:00 Food overwhelm & snack culture03:16 Snack habits & personalities07:26 Family food rhythms & dessert debates13:18 Different approaches to food with kids18:40 Picky eating, temperament & habits22:03 What the Bible says about food & trust28:49 Abundance, gratitude & contentment34:26 Celebration, feasting & everyday meals41:52 Perspective, humility & provision46:40 Teaching rhythms: choice, fasting & feasting50:28 Practicing gratitude at the table
Your kid won't wear jeans. They melt down over brushing teeth. They refuse to try soccer even though they're fine at practice. And oh yeah—they're also a picky eater
Send us Fan Mail When your child refuses food, the instinct is to push harder, bargain more, or wonder what you are doing wrong. But what if picky eating is not a battle to win, but a signal to listen to? In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik is joined by Lena Livinsky, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist, who spent over a decade working with families before her own son's feeding struggles completely changed how she understood the problem. Lena brings a whole-child lens to picky eating, one that looks beneath the surface at nervous system regulation, gut health, sensory overwhelm, and the mealtime environment itself. If you are a parent who is exhausted, quietly blaming yourself, or just desperate to make dinner feel less like a battle, this conversation is for you. About the Guest: Lena Livinsky (M.A., CCC-SLP) is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, holistic feeding specialist, and creator of the BLOOM Framework, which addresses the root causes of picky eating across biology, nervous system regulation, oral motor development, and family connection. With over 13 years of experience working with children and families, Lena combines clinical training with a holistic mindset shaped by her own health journey and her experience parenting a picky eater. She is the host of The Livin' Sky Podcast and is based in North America. Key Takeaways: Picky eating is a symptom, not a diagnosis. What shows up at the table as refusal or stress is often the visible tip of an iceberg that includes nervous system dysregulation, nutritional deficiencies, sensory overwhelm, gut issues, or oral motor challenges. Focusing only on the food keeps families stuck. When the plate becomes the problem, everything else underneath stays invisible. Real change begins when we look at what is driving the behavior, not just the behavior itself. A child who refuses food is not being defiant. They are often in a state of stress or fear. Understanding this shifts the entire dynamic at the table, for both child and parent. Connection is the foundation. Before changing the food, change the environment. Lena's BLOOM Framework is rooted in connection as the first and most important step toward mealtime healing. Parents are not failing their children. The exhaustion, inconsistency, and pressure at the table come from love and confusion, not bad parenting. Releasing blame is often the first real step forward. Calm leadership creates safe eating. Children need structure, rhythm, and a low-pressure environment to feel safe enough to explore food. When the nervous system is regulated, expansion happens naturally. Connect With Lena Livinsky: Website: https://lenalivinsky.com/ Instagram: @lena.livinsky Free resource, Peaceful Plate Checklist: https://lenalivinsky.com/ (download available on homepage) Episode Chapters: [00:00] What If Picky Eating Is a Message? — Reframing the dinner table entirely [09:41] Welcome and Guest Introduction — Avik introduces Lena Livinsky and today's topic [10:53] The Moment That Changed Everything — Lena's son, a chicken cutlet, and a realisation about fear [16:08] The Iceberg Nobody Talks About — What lives beneath picky eating behaviors [20:01] Battle Mode at the Table — What inconsistent pressure does to child and parent both [24:44] Connection Before Food — The root of the BLOOM Framework and where real change begins [28:53] A Message to the Exhausted Parent — You are not failing. Here is where to begin. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6500+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
Is your kid a picky eater? Do you go out of your way to serve them only what they like? DCS has a new study that they are sharing that might have you think twice about giving in to your kids picky eating habits. Plus DCS talks cooking at home, a rat in a can and is it okay for a friend to hang with an ex?
“It brings the fun back to the table.”
Every parent has been there — the meltdown in the grocery store, the bedtime battle that never ends, the picky eater who somehow eats everything at daycare but nothing at home. But what if most of what we think we know about our kids' behavior is actually missing the point entirely? This week on Take the Lead, we sit down with Paula, a psycho-educator with over 10 years of experience working with children from newborns to age 12 at her Montreal-based clinic. Paula works at the intersection of child development, family coaching, and behavioral intervention — and she is here to give every parent the honest, science-backed framework they never got handed at the hospital. We get into everything. Paula breaks down the difference between psycho-education and psychology, and why understanding the need underneath your child's behavior is the only thing that will actually make it stop. She introduces us to the ABC behavior chart — one of the most practical tools you can start using today to decode why your child does what they do and when. We talk about tantrums, what actually triggers them, and why being either too strict or too permissive both backfire in ways most parents don't see coming. Paula walks us through the three key stages of child development — attachment from 0 to 1, exploration from 1 to 3, and socialization from 3 to 6 — and why knowing which stage your child is in changes everything about how you respond to them. We debate gentle parenting versus structured parenting, and Paula makes a compelling case for why you actually need both — and shares her 5 C's of parenting framework that every mom and dad needs to hear. We also get into the topics that make parents feel the most guilt: sleep training, self-soothing, screen time at mealtimes, and whether showing your child your disappointment is harming them. Paula's take is refreshingly nuanced — no judgment, no one-size-fits-all answers, just real developmental science delivered in a way that actually makes sense. And because this is Take the Lead and we never stay surface level, we also get personal. Carine shares her own real-time parenting dilemmas — from potty training accidents to a baby learning to self-soothe — and Paula meets her right where she is with practical, compassionate advice that every parent in the trenches will recognize. If you've ever Googled "is my toddler's behavior normal" at midnight, argued with your partner about screen time, or wondered whether your lifestyle is impacting your child more than you'd like to admit — this episode is going to feel like a long overdue exhale. The bottom line? You don't have to be a perfect parent. You just have to be a present one, most of the time. And trust your gut — because Paula confirms it's usually right. Hosted by Carine Badran Follow the show: @taketheleadpodcast Follow Carine: @carinebadran
Send us Fan MailWhen it comes to programs and services for children and families, researchers and practitioners should work hand-in-hand: research should guide practice and, in turn, study what is working to inform the rest of the field. By all accounts, All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy, the beloved program founded by Antoinette Elliott, exemplifies this relationship. Antoinette incorporated best practices and input from expert consultants in the design of the academy, but, as you will hear, I believe that the elements that she created from experience and trial-and-error are benefiting children and families in ways that need to be studied and replicated. More information about Antoinette and All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy - including a link to a complimentary Parent Peace Pack: 10 Powerful Tools to Help You Navigate Tantrums, Picky Eating, Bedtime Battles, and More - is at talkingaboutkids.com.
Today I'm diving into something so many of us have experienced as moms—picky eating—but I'm challenging the idea that it's just picky eating. What if your child's food preferences aren't about attitude or stubbornness, but actually clues to something deeper going on? In this episode, I unpack what could really be behind the gagging, food refusal, and texture sensitivities—and why we need to stop brushing it off as “just a phase.” I'm sharing a completely different lens to look through—one that connects eating to breathing, oral function, and your child's nervous system. We'll talk about the signs most people miss, how early these patterns can start, and simple ways you can begin observing and supporting your child at home. If you've ever felt frustrated at mealtime or wondered why your child struggles with food, this episode will open your eyes in a powerful way. Check out The Mind Mouth Body SHIFT Method -- https://shereewertz.com/academy Book a consultation today: I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can. https://shereewertz.com/15-min
Rachel Mansfield is back and we're talking about the reality of feeding a family while building a business from the ground up. From meal planning systems that actually work to launching her better-for-you snack brand cadootz!, Rachel shares how she balances mom life, entrepreneurship, and creating food her kids will actually eat. → Leave Us A Voice Message! Topics Discussed: → How to feed picky kids healthy meals → Easy weeknight dinners for busy families → Best meal planning system for moms → Healthy kid snack ideas that work → How to launch a food product Sponsored By: → Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at https://bewellbykelly.com. → Fatty 15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/KELLY15 and using code KELLY15 at checkout. Timestamps: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:43 - Food Content → 00:03:54 - Meal Prep For Families → 00:05:47 - Grocery Shopping → 00:09:06 - Favorite Meals → 00:13:26 - Kitchen Appliances → 00:16:14 - Picky Eating → 00:19:53 - Creating cadootz! → 00:24:08 - Healthy Snacks → 00:26:23 - Research + Development → 00:28:25 - USDA Organic → 00:32:11 - Ingredients + Protein → 00:34:50 - Launching A Brand → 00:39:19 - Proof of Concept → 00:40:17 - Social Media Marketing → 00:43:09 - Snack Packs → 00:45:49 - Expo West + Distribution → 00:47:55 - AI → 00:50:45 - Filling Your Cup → 00:54:50 - Social Media + Children Further Listening: → How to Raise Resilient Kids in a Tech Obsessed World | Nicole Runyon Check Out: → https://cadootz!.com/ → cadootz!! Instagram → Rachel's Instagram → Website → New Book Check Out Kelly: → Instagram → Youtube → Facebook
Außerdem: Sonnenbrille - Nur cool oder wichtiger Schutz? (15:50) // Mehr spannende Themen wissenschaftlich eingeordnet findet ihr hier: www.quarks.de // Habt ihr Feedback, Anregungen oder Fragen, die wir wissenschaftlich einordnen sollen? Dann meldet euch über Whatsapp oder Signal unter 0162 344 86 48 oder per Mail: quarksdaily@wdr.de Von Sebastian Sonntag.
Feeding kids does not have to feel stressful or chaotic. With the right tools, it becomes an opportunity to strengthen connection, build autonomy and nourish your child with confidence. Childhood nutrition expert, Jill Castle, shares her love with limits approach, a simple and effective framework that helps parents reduce mealtime battles, create structure, support appetite awareness and raise kids who listen to their bodies. You'll learn how often to feed, how to set boundaries gently, what feeding mistakes to avoid and how to support picky eaters with ease. This inspiring conversation will leave you feeling empowered and excited to bring more calm and joy to your family's mealtimes. Topics Covered In This Episode: Love with limits feeding approach Preventing picky eating struggles Creating calm mealtime routines Supporting kids' appetite awareness Building healthy habits early Show Notes: Jill's Website Connect with Jill on Instagram and Facebook Jill's book, Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School Jill's new workbook, Try New Foods: How to Help Picky Eaters Taste, Eat and Like New Foods The Nourished Child Podcast, Episode 72: Grandparents feeding children Jill's e-course, The Nourished Child Project Hear Jill on the One Bad Mother Podcast, Episode 262 Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today's episode on our website Pediatric Nutrition Entrepreneur, Author, Brand Consultant, and Youth Health and Nutrition Keynote Speaker Jill Castle is at the forefront of a child-centered health and wellbeing movement transforming the way we think, lead, and live and helping families, healthcare providers, educators, and organizations nourish kids to thrive for a lifetime. She's a career pediatric dietitian, mom of four, and the founder and CEO of The Nourished Child®, a nutrition education website and podcast for families. Jill is the author of Kids Thrive at Every Size, a practical guide for families who want to raise healthy and happy children in a world where perfectionism about bodies, food and health threaten their sense of self, well-being, and future. A respected thought leader in childhood nutrition, Jill has impacted millions of families through her website, multiple books, private practice, and speaking engagements. Jill has spent her career educating professionals, parents and caretakers about feeding and nourishing children of all ages, and has helped companies and organizations create and build relevant products and services for children of all ages. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can't wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only. All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.
What if picky eating and impulsive ADHD behavior aren't separate problems at all—but signals coming from the same biological root? In a special milestone for the podcast — our 200th episode of The Soaring Child Podcast — Dana Kay explains how nutrient deficiencies can directly affect the brain systems responsible for focus, emotional regulation, impulse control, and sleep. Iron supports dopamine production. Magnesium and B6 calm the nervous system. Zinc shapes taste perception. Omega-3s carry the brain's messages. And vitamin D helps regulate serotonin and sleep cycles. When these nutrients are depleted, the brain struggles to function properly. The result can look like impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional outbursts, sleep struggles, and extreme picky eating. Dana shares the story of a young boy expelled from four preschools whose behavior transformed after severe nutrient deficiencies were identified and supported. This episode helps parents understand how what looks like "behavior" may actually be a biological signal. Dana walks listeners through the nutrients most commonly involved in ADHD regulation, the signs that the brain may be running on empty, and how parents can begin identifying which biological stressors may be affecting their child. If you're trying to understand the biological drivers behind your child's symptoms, start here: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 The ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit helps parents translate symptoms into biology and identify which underlying stressors may be affecting their child. Get the Decoder Kit here to learn more about how ADHD symptoms connect to biology here: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Grab your ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] Picky eating and impulsive ADHD behaviors may come from the same biological root. [01:15] Case story of a child expelled from four preschools due to extreme behavior. [02:10] Severe nutrient depletion revealed through lab testing. [03:40] The concept of the "starving brain." [05:00] Iron's role in dopamine production and emotional regulation. [06:10] Magnesium and B6 supporting nervous system calm and sleep. [07:00] Zinc deficiency affecting taste perception and picky eating. [08:10] Omega-3s and brain communication. [09:00] Vitamin D and its connection to serotonin and sleep. [10:45] The Ferrari fuel analogy for brain nutrients. [12:15] Signs that the brain may be running low on nutrients. [14:30] Introducing the ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Picky eating and hyperactive and impulsive behavior are not two separate problems. They're the same conversation happening in different rooms." "What if the brain isn't being difficult? What if it's just hungry?" "A brain that's running on empty cannot do manners, patience or waiting turns." "When the brain is starving, no amount of behavioral strategies will actually feed the brain." "These nutrients are literally the wiring for the brain." "You can parent beautifully, but if that fuel is not there, their system stalls." "You're asking a Ferrari to run on cordial." "A hungry brain cannot be polite." "Feed the brain and the behavior follows." DANA KAY RESOURCES
Send a textIn this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, pediatric speech pathologist, feeding specialist, and founder of Eat Play Say, a platform that helps millions of parents support their children's development through practical, realistic strategies.Jordyn shares why feeding has become such a stressful topic for parents — and how we can shift away from comparison and perfection. She explains the difference between food preferences and feeding problems, how parents can help kids expand their diets, and simple ways to move babies from purees to more textured foods.They also discuss developmental milestones — how to interpret them without panic, when to seek extra support, and how everyday routines can naturally support language development.Key Takeaways• Why picky eating is often normal • The difference between food preferences and feeding problems • Easy ways to introduce new textures to babies • How milestones should be used as a guide — not a source of anxiety • Simple routines that naturally support language development • Why parents don't need fancy toys to support developmentResources Jordyn Koveleski Gorman – Eat Play SayInstagram @eatplaysayFree resources for parents https://eatplaysay.com/handbooksYour Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessicaYouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...
Ever wonder how to handle picky eating at parties without creating food battles? Or how to set healthy screen time boundaries when screens feel like the only babysitter?In this Ask Me Anything episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I'm answering your real-life parenting questions about dessert rules for kids, the Division of Responsibility in feeding, raising independent children, and building healthy family habits that actually stick.We're talking about practical strategies for limiting screen time for toddlers and young kids, alternatives to screen time that encourage creativity, and how involving kids in chores builds responsibility and executive functioning. I'm also sharing how to create a real food family culture without labeling foods as “bad,” how to monitor sugar and food dyes without being extreme, and how to gradually pass ownership of health to your kids so they can make wise choices when no one is watching.If you want less pressure around food, more confidence in your parenting decisions, and a clear path toward raising healthy, independent future adults, this episode is for you!Resources We Mention in This Parenting Q&AGet the one-page “cheat sheets” at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/handbook.Register for the No More Picky Eating ChallengeCheck out my chores system hereFor my lemon water: collagen and vitamin C powderThe blue light glasses I haveStarting to eat real food is easier with the Monday Missions!The risks of synthetic food dyesSome ways we deal with sugar and desserts at the Kimball houseTap over and see the YouTube shorts channelTake control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!
“You're creating a picky eater.” “It's the parents' fault.”
In this episode, we're diving into something I really wish I had known about sooner: ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.ARFID is a serious eating disorder that has nothing to do with body image or weight loss. Instead, it's driven by things that are incredibly common for ADHD and autistic folks — sensory sensitivities, low appetite, lack of interest, anxiety, and fear of negative food experiences (like choking or vomiting).If you or someone you love:forgets to eat to eatlives off a small list of “safe foods”feels overwhelmed by textures, smells, or food prephas been called a “picky eater” your whole life…this episode might feel like a huge lightbulb moment.We're talking about:what ARFID actually is (and why it's not just picky eating)how sensory issues, anxiety, and interoception play a rolethe real physical and emotional impactswhy it shows up so often in neurodivergent peoplehow support and treatment actually workI'm also sharing personally — because learning about ARFID made me look at my own life and my kids in a completely new way.If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who needs to hear:https:///www.ihaveadhd.com/10thingsEquip HealthWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Did you know that picky eating can sometimes be caused by the messages the bacteria in your gut are sending to your brain?So the CHILD isn't being a sugar monster…or making stubborn choices just to drive you crazy…their gut bugs are the sugar monsters and their brain has pruned too much!I learned so much from Elissa Arnheim in this interview, both the philosophical to feed MY brain and the practical—some of which I implemented that very day!Here are my favorite quotes:“Let's start with this: Our bodies are designed perfectly.”“If a child cuts out an entire category of healthy foods, it's a sign that something is wrong – and it's all figure-out-able and fixable.”“Step 1 for sugar monster kids: serve sauerkraut!”
This week, Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester, and guest host Clare Stephens are diving into the 'beige food' epidemic and why modern snack culture might be to blame for your toddler’s refusal to eat anything that isn’t plain pasta or chicken nuggets. And we discuss the the emotional cost of being an 'easy kid'. If you were the child who always got a gold star, never made a fuss, and now find yourself over-apologising to your barista, this one is for you. We talk about why we might actually want our kids to be a little bit... difficult. Plus, a heated debate over 'fart-proud' vs. 'fart-shame' households and why there's now official permission to stop feeling guilty about letting your kids watch TV. Our Recommendations: ⛸️ Stacey recommends getting your kids to record vlog style videos when FaceTiming the relatives gets too boring.
If mealtimes feel heavier than they should, this episode is going to make a lot click. I sit down with dietitians Diana and Dani to unpack how diet culture quietly slips into everyday parenting and shapes how kids see food, their bodies, and themselves. Their new book offers a roadmap for raising kids who trust their bodies and feel safe at the table, and our conversation goes far beyond picky eating. We talk about the language we use, the pressure we don't realize we're applying, and how small daily moments build a child's long-term relationship with food. What we discuss: Why diet culture starts affecting kids as early as preschool The “invisible curriculum” kids absorb from our modeling, messaging, and moments What food positivity actually means and how it goes beyond food neutrality How the Division of Responsibility supports trust and self-regulation Common ways parents accidentally misapply feeding advice Why labeling foods as good or bad backfires long term The connection between pressure, restriction, and future dieting patterns Reframing picky eaters as “learning eaters” Why fewer than 5 percent of so-called picky eaters are truly nutrient deficient How values like control vs connection influence feeding decisions Small shifts parents can make to protect a child's relationship with food To connect with Diana Rice follow her on Instagram @anti.diet.kids and check out all her resources at https://tinyseednutrition.com/ Follow Dani Lebowitz at @kid.food.explorers and visit her website: https://kidfoodexplorers.com/ Their new book “Food Positivity: How to Ditch Diet Culture and Talk to Kids About Food“ is available for pre-order https://www.amazon.com/Food-Positivity-Ditch-Culture-About/dp/1394335202?&linkCode=sl1&tag=dianakrice-20&linkId=cb9fdb7069f2f96a3f795cbd75485914&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Enjoy Diana Rice's first episode, “Your kid doesn't need a diet“ on the PedsDocTalk podcast. https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/your-kid-doesnt-need-a-diet-approaching-conversations-about-our-childs-weight-and-health-in-a-productive-way/ 00:00 Welcome + What Is Food Positivity? 02:29 Meet Diana and Dani 04:24 How Diet Culture Starts in Early Childhood 06:09 The Invisible Curriculum: Modeling, Messaging, Moments 07:59 Food Positivity vs Food Neutrality 14:43 Division of Responsibility Made Simple 18:59 Why Red Light, Green Light Backfires 20:15 Felt Safety, Trust, and Confident Food Leadership 33:22 Rethinking “Picky Eating” as Learning Eating 38:10 Pressure, Restriction, and Self-Regulation 42:01 Small Shifts to Protect Your Child's Relationship with Food 48:43 Where to Get the Book + Final Takeaways Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter! And don't forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Have you heard of ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)? It describes extreme “picky eating” and can hijack families. But as with most disorders that seem to move quickly into parenting awareness, information, treatment, and internet discussions are all over the place. In this episode, Lynn brings back her colleague Mindy Szelap for a dose of solid information, myth-busting, and practical steps to take. What's normal developmentally? What are the do's and don'ts of mealtime? And does a parent's anxiety make it worse? Yup. Find Mindy at: https://www.bayareaspacetreatment.com/ WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a 3-part series on the skills most helpful in managing anxious kids: flexibility, problem solving, and autonomy. Consult our Spotify profile for the most up-to-date selection. We will select two listeners who complete our listener survey. We hope it is you! FOLLOW US Join the Facebook group to get news on the upcoming courses for parents, teens, and kids. Follow Flusterclux on Facebook and Instagram. Follow Lynn Lyons on Twitter and Youtube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If your toddler survives on cheese, fruit, and carbs — you're not alone. After sharing our struggles online, hundreds of you wrote in with your own stories, so we're talking all things picky eating, dinner battles, pressure, guilt, and the tips that actually help.We're not experts — just toddler moms navigating this right alongside you. This episode is about feeling less alone, releasing the pressure, and reminding you that your toddler will be fine, even when dinner goes completely untouched.Instagram: @wearemorethanmomsPatreon: More Than Moms Guides & Resources Join our IRL LA communitySubscribe to our NewsletterProduced by Peoples MediaInstagram: @wearemorethanmomsPatreon: More Than Moms Guides & Resources Join our IRL LA communitySubscribe to our NewsletterProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sleep and nutrition are deeply connected... and when one is off, the other often follows. In this episode, we sit down with a Family Nutritionist and Picky Eating Expert, Danielle Binns - who shares science-backed, practical strategies to help parents support better sleep, calmer mealtimes, and raise confident, curious eaters without pressure or power struggles.FOLLOW @daniellebinnsnutritionVISIT daniellebinns.comErin Junker | Paediatric Sleep ConsultantInstagram @thehappysleepcompanyWebsite www.thehappysleepcompany.com
When picky eating is extreme, it's rarely just about the food. Pediatric dietitian Katharine Jeffcoat explains how anxiety and sensory challenges impact eating, what helps beyond nutrition, and how to reduce pressure at the table—plus a simple "food science" approach to support progress.
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In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin dives into the intricate world of pediatric eating behaviors, pulling back the curtain on why "picky eating" is often a symptom of a much deeper developmental gap.Many caregivers and clinicians feel stuck when a child refuses certain foods, often labeling it as a behavioral "no." Hallie challenges this perspective, urging us to look at the infrastructure of the mouth. She explores how the transition from a simple vertical munch to a mature circular rotary chew isn't just a milestone—it's the foundation of safe and varied nutrition.This episode dives deep into the reality that clinical excellence requires a keen eye for motor mechanics and sensory processing. From identifying the three distinct chewing patterns to creating supportive environments that reduce mealtime stress, Hallie provides a roadmap for anyone looking to transform a child's relationship with food.In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why "surface behaviors" are red flags: How to stop chasing symptoms and start addressing causes.✔️ The 3 Stages of Chewing: Understanding vertical, diagonal, and circular rotary patterns.✔️ Sensory vs. Motor: How to distinguish between a child who won't eat and a child who can't eat.✔️ The Role of Textures: Why certain food groups are "safe" and others are "scary" based on mechanical demand.✔️ Observation Skills: How to spot "pocketing" or ineffective grinding during mealtime.✔️ Strengths-Based Intervention: Why building on a child's current motor abilities is more effective than forcing progress.✔️ Success Redefined: How improving chewing mechanics directly improves the quality of life for the whole family.If you're ready to stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start leading with confidence, Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds is your next step.Join me for this free 3-day training, where I'll show you how to screen feeding cases clearly, confidently, and with intention — so you know exactly what to do next.
If mealtimes sometimes feel more like hostage negotiations than family gatherings – you're not alone! In our latest episode of the podcast, we explore the sensory reasons behind picky eating, especially for neurodivergent kids, and share practical strategies to make the table a calmer, more positive space. Highlights from this episode: Understanding the Why: Picky eating isn't just stubbornness. It often stems from sensory sensitivities, past negative experiences, or a need for predictability. Kids aren't being difficult—their bodies are protecting them. Red Flags to Watch For: If your child shows signs of weight loss, growth issues, drops food categories, or frequently gags or chokes, it's time to seek professional help. Remember: asking for support is a win, not a failure! No Pressure Plate System: You choose what, when, and where food is served; your child chooses if and how much to eat. Offer two to three safe foods and one or two "learning foods" for gentle exposure, plus a "no thank you bowl" for stress-free refusals. Calm Bodies First: Try a 2–3 minute pre-meal routine—wall push-ups, sipping water through a straw, sitting with good posture—to help kids feel regulated and ready to eat. Food Chaining & Texture Ladders: Move from safe favorites to new foods in baby steps, adjusting one property (size, shape, temperature) at a time. Celebrate curiosity and every little try! Making Meals Manageable: Deconstruct dishes, keep sensory overload low (dim lights, reduce kitchen noise), and offer dips or fun utensils to encourage engagement. Handling Family Gatherings: Stand your ground! Share your approach if you're questioned, and remember—you know your child best. You're doing great—trust yourself, take baby steps, and remember our podcast is here to support you every week. If you found this episode helpful, please share with friends or leave a review on your favorite podcast app! Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Coming in 2026! The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No" Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues Yard Work for Sensory Input Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids Sensory Play with Spice Painting Sensory Play for Kids Games and Conversation Tools for the Dinner Table
Is it picky eating or something deeper? In this episode, RD Kristen Nyampong breaks down Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) — what it looks like, how it's often missed, and why it can show up differently in BIPOC communities. We talk about helping clients expand food variety without pressure or shame, navigating family dynamics, and how dietitians can work through a trauma-informed and weight-inclusive lens.If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance, visit diabetesdigital.co to connect with our culturally aware and weight-inclusive team. And if you love the show, don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes or Spotify—it makes a huge difference! For additional resources and show notes, head to diabetesdigital.co/podcast.