Rewards, reinforcers, token boards… they might get your child to take one bite — but at what cost?

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what most ABA-based feeding approaches miss entirely: connection. I’ll share my own experience working in an intensive ABA setting, the moment I realized something was deeply wrong, and what’s really required to help kids truly learn to love food.

We’ll unpack:
✨ Why compliance doesn’t equal progress
✨ What ABA gets wrong about oral motor, sensory, and gut issues
✨ How to build safety and curiosity instead of power struggles

If you’ve been told rewards are the only way… or if your gut says “there has to be a better approach,” this is your permission to trust it.

Because your child deserves more than a sticker for swallowing.

🎧 Ready to go beyond behavior? Take the quiz at thepickyeaterstest.com to discover what’s actually keeping your child stuck — and how to help them move forward.

You’ve tried all the tips, set up a schedule, maybe even done therapy… but meals still feel like a battleground. 😩

Here’s the thing: most parents are unknowingly making one (or more) of these super common feeding mistakes — not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because the advice out there is outdated, confusing, or flat-out bad.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the 5 biggest mistakes I see over and over — plus a bonus one that’s just too important to leave out — and show you exactly what to do instead. These are the mindset shifts and mealtime strategies that actually work (no bribing, no separate meals, no pressure).

👀 If you’ve ever wondered:
• “Should I keep offering a food they hate?”
• “Why don’t they eat when they’re clearly hungry?”
• “Am I making it worse by talking about it?”

This one’s for you.

🎧 Take the free quiz mentioned at the end at thepickyeaterstest.com to find out what’s keeping your child stuck — and how to turn it around.

If you’ve ever packed a cooler full of “safe foods” for your child before a birthday party, BBQ, or school lunch—this episode is for you.

Christine Miroddi Yoder, pediatric feeding expert, breaks down what safe foods really are, why kids cling to them, and how to tell if this behavior is just a phase or a sign of something deeper. You’ll learn how sameness equals safety in a child’s brain, why certain food textures and packages become non-negotiable, and when bringing safe foods becomes a crutch instead of a bridge.

Inside, Christine explains:

Why safe foods are usually processed and what that reveals

How sensory, oral motor, gut, and mindset issues lead to food rigidity

When bringing a safe food is appropriate—and when it’s time to intervene

Strategic ways to expand safe foods without creating panic

How to keep food experiences positive, even when progress is slow

👣 Take the first step by identifying your child’s eating level at www.thepickyeaterstest.com—because not every strategy works for every eater.

If your child has fewer than five foods in their diet, this episode is a must-listen.

In today’s episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder, pediatric feeding expert and creator of the Unlocking Mealtimes framework, dives deep into what’s really going on when a child eats an extremely limited variety of foods. Spoiler: it’s not just picky eating—and it’s not your fault.

You’ll learn:

Why the “birthday party moment” feels so triggering for parents

The 4 root causes behind food refusal (and why mindset is the last thing to work on, not the first)

How to tell if it’s ARFID, Pediatric Feeding Disorder, or something else entirely

Why feeding therapy often fails—and what actually works instead

Practical, no-pressure strategies you can try today (plus the #1 thing to stop doing)

What kind of expert your child really needs (hint: not all pediatricians understand this!)

Christine also shares honest truths about timelines, progress, and what to expect if your child is in the Fearful stage of eating.

💡 Take the free quiz at www.thepickyeaters.com to find out where your child is on the eating journey and get your next best step.

This episode is for the parent standing at the birthday party, holding back tears, wondering, “Why is my child the only one who won’t eat pizza and cake?” There’s a reason. And there’s help.

Feeding therapy isn’t just about getting kids to take a bite — and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. In this episode, Christine shares the real truth about what feeding therapy should look like, why most therapists aren’t trained in what your child actually needs, and what red flags to watch out for if therapy isn’t working.

Whether you’re new to feeding therapy or knee-deep in weekly sessions wondering why progress feels slow — this episode will empower you with the clarity you’ve been missing. Christine breaks down:

Why most therapists don’t receive formal training in feeding

The major difference between dysphagia treatment and true picky eating support

Why behavior-based approaches (like rewards for bites) can backfire

The 4 critical pillars of feeding success — and how most clinics miss them

What a whole-body, holistic feeding approach really looks like

Red flags that therapy might be doing more harm than good

Why you, the parent, are the most important piece of the puzzle

👉 Plus: Learn how to find your child’s current eating level (Fearful™, Stuck™, or Curious™) by taking the free quiz at thepickyeaterstest.com — and what next steps to take based on their stage.

📘 Want a program that actually works? Explore Unlocking Mealtimes — our transformational program for families who want lasting change, not temporary fixes.

You wanted kids — but are you actually parenting them… or just trying to survive the day?

In this heartfelt and challenging episode, pediatric feeding expert Christine Miroddi Yoder invites you to pause and reflect on what your child really needs — not more therapy, more food exposure, or a perfect plate — but you.

This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s a wake-up call.

You’ll hear:

The difference between wanting children vs. actively parenting them

How busyness and burnout can unintentionally disconnect us from our kids

A raw story of a family who couldn't slow down — and what that meant for their child

5 simple ways to reconnect without overhauling your whole life

Why presence — not perfection — is the real secret to successful mealtimes

Whether your child is struggling with food or you’re just feeling emotionally stretched, this episode will help you re-center on what matters most.

👉 Take the quiz at www.thepickyeaterstest.com to discover your child’s feeding level and get personalized support.

BBQs should be fun — but for parents of picky eaters, they can feel like a minefield. In this episode, Christine breaks down why summer cookouts are so tough for selective eaters and shares clear, compassionate strategies to help your child feel safe, supported, and calm (even when the only food on the table is hot dogs and ribs). You’ll learn how to bring anchor foods, what to say to judgmental relatives, and how to support your child’s eating level in the moment.

→ Want to know your child’s eating level? Take the free quiz at thepickyeaterstest.com.com

Summer is the perfect time to explore food in new, low-pressure ways! In this episode, I share five fun sensory play ideas that help kids feel more comfortable around food—without the pressure to eat it. You’ll learn how to use things like watermelon slime, ice cube excavations, and mud kitchens to spark curiosity and build trust, all while having fun outside.

Going on vacation with a picky eater can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share simple, practical tips to help you avoid food struggles while traveling. You'll learn what to pack based on your child's eating level and how to keep mealtimes calm, even in new environments.

Is summer making your child’s picky eating even harder to manage? You’re not alone — summer’s lack of routine, sugary treats, loud barbecues, and camp food surprises can quickly turn mealtimes into meltdowns.

In this episode, pediatric feeding expert Christine Miroddi Yoder shares 5 essential summer survival strategies to help your picky eater feel safe, stay nourished, and even explore new foods during the most chaotic season of the year.

Learn how to:

Create a travel snack kit that avoids sugar crashes

Handle picky eating at camp with confidence

Pack the right foods for barbecues and playdates

Build flexibility with challenge foods outside the home

Use summer as a launchpad for smoother school-year routines

If your child is a fearful, stuck, or curious eater, you’ll walk away with practical tools to make this summer feel less stressful — and maybe even fun!

🎧 Tune in and take the quiz at www.thepickyeaterstest.com to find your child’s feeding level and get personalized next steps.