In this episode, Christine shares creative, practical, and purposeful gift ideas for children who are picky eaters. She discusses how parents can use holidays, birthdays, or special occasions to support sensory exploration, oral motor development, and even a mindset shift around food—all through play, books, and intentional activities. These gifts don't just entertain but also serve as tools to help children become more adventurous with food in a non-threatening, engaging way.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude in your child's feeding journey. Learn why celebrating small wins can lead to bigger breakthroughs and how gratitude rewires your brain for success. Christine shares a heartwarming story of a family overcoming mealtime challenges and provides practical exercises to help you focus on progress instead of setbacks. Discover how practicing gratitude can reduce stress, foster resilience, and create a positive environment for your picky eater. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on celebrating the small steps that make a big difference.

Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of family, food, and festivities—but what happens when your child’s extreme picky eating adds stress to the day? In this episode, Christine shares seven practical strategies to make the holiday more pleasant for everyone. From setting realistic expectations to creating a sensory-safe environment, introducing foods before the big day, and involving your child in non-eating roles, you’ll discover how to approach Thanksgiving with confidence and ease. Plus, learn how to handle well-meaning but outdated advice from relatives and keep the focus on connection instead of confrontation. Tune in for tips that will leave you feeling prepared and supported this holiday season!

In this insightful episode, we share essential tips for parents navigating the challenges of picky eating. Discover evidence-based strategies, such as the importance of repeated exposure to new foods, creating a no-pressure dining atmosphere, and involving your child in meal prep to spark their interest.

Is your child’s anxiety making mealtimes stressful? Anxiety and picky eating often go hand in hand, but there are ways to help! In this episode, we dive into the link between food-related anxiety and eating challenges and share practical solutions like calming techniques and reducing mealtime pressure. Tune in for expert tips to make mealtimes easier for your child and YOU!

Visit https://unlockingmealtimes.com/ to get started on your journey today!

Is your child anxious around mealtime? In this episode, we share 5 actionable strategies to help reduce your child's anxiety around food. From creating a consistent routine to introducing new foods gradually, these tips are simple and stress-free to implement! No pressure, no bribes—just a calm, mindful approach to help your picky eater feel more comfortable.

Visit https://unlockingmealtimes.com/ to get started on your journey today!

In this episode, we sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters and a dedicated mom, to dive deep into the world of pediatric feeding disorders. Jaclyn shares her personal journey as a mother navigating the complexities of her own son’s feeding challenges and the impact this had on her mission to support other families facing similar struggles. We discuss the obstacles that parents encounter—from finding accurate information and financial support to addressing the complexity of feeding. Jaclyn sheds light on the gaps in regulations, awareness, and resources that make feeding challenges even harder circumstances. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about advocacy, resilience, and what it takes to create meaningful change for families facing pediatric feeding disorders.

Established in 2006, Feeding Matters is the first organization in the world to unite the concerns of families with the field’s leading advocates, experts, and allied healthcare professionals to improve the system of care for pediatric feeding disorder through advocacy, education, support, and research. Visit them at https://www.feedingmatters.org/

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder dives into the concept of sensory play and how it can help children progress from being fearful eaters to more adventurous foodies. She discusses sensory processing and the importance of understanding a child's unique sensory profile across eight different areas. Christine emphasizes that sensory play is just one of the four pillars of feeding, alongside the gut, oral motor, and mindset, and that focusing solely on sensory play may not be sufficient for some children. She provides practical tips for incorporating texture exploration and play with food, highlighting the significance of non-pressure, gradual exposure, and building trust with food, much like making a new friend.

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder addresses the concern many parents have about whether their picky eater will starve if they refuse to eat. She explains that while children who eat a limited variety of foods may not starve, they can become nutritionally deficient, which can lead to various health issues. True starvation concerns usually arise when a child refuses all foods, often due to fear or anxiety related to a traumatic event like choking. Christine emphasizes that if a child hasn't eaten or drunk anything for 24 hours, it's crucial to contact a pediatrician. For fearful eaters, addressing anxiety and the four pillars of feeding—sensory system, oral motor skills, and mindset—is essential to help them build a positive relationship with food.

In today's episode, we dive into a recent study on twins and picky eating, exploring whether picky eating is influenced more by genetics (nature) or by environment (nurture). The study suggests that genetics play a significant role in picky eating, with individual differences being 75-80% attributed to genetic factors. However, I discuss some limitations. Join me as I break down what this study means, and it's potential impacts!