From Beige to Buffet: Navigating Toddler Food Battles with Kath Megaw

Are you stuck in a daily battle over broccoli? Is your toddler’s diet consisting almost entirely of pasta, chips, and air? You are not alone.

In this episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg is joined by regular guest Julia, whose 4-year-old son Santi has firmly entered his "beige food era." To help navigate this hurdle, Meg brings in renowned paediatric dietitian and Weaning Sense co-author, Kath Megaw.

Together, they unpack the psychology behind picky eating, why pressure at the table backfires, and Kath’s revolutionary "Buffet Style" strategy.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Beige" Phase: Why toddlers naturally limit their palate between ages 2 and 5.
• Control Dynamics: How to hand autonomy back without compromising nutrition.
• The Toolkit: Strategies including the "Smorgasbord" approach and color charts.
• Nutritional Rehab: When to worry and how to use multivitamins effectively.
• Sensory Personalities: Why "social butterflies" and "slow-to-warm-up" children eat differently.
• Grandparents & Travel: Navigating treats and routine disruptions.

If you are exhausted by mealtime negotiations, this episode is your permission slip to stop the pressure and start having fun with food again.

Download the ParentSense App for expert advice and flexible routines tailored to your child.

About Our Guests:

• Kath Megaw: A Paediatric Dietitian, guest host of "Feeding Sense," and co-author of Weaning Sense and Mindful Meals.
• Julia: Mom to Santiago and Aurelia, sharing her honest and relatable parenting journey on the podcast.

Episode References & Links:

Books:

• Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure

ParentSense App:

• Download the all-in-one baby care app: ParentSense App

Connect with Meg Faure:

• Website: megfaure.com
• Instagram: @megfaure.sense
• Facebook: Meg Faure Sense

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe: Listen on your favorite platform.
• Review: Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts.
• Get Involved: Email [email protected] with feedback or guest nominations!

If you've ever tried to juggle two little ones, manage nap schedules, and still find time for yourself, this is your episode! Meg Faure is joined by regular guest Nina Clark, mum to five-and-a-half-month-old Josh and three-year-old Max, for an honest chat about the juggle of two under four.

Nina shares her real-world, adapted success with Josh's sleep, moving him from contact naps and being fed to sleep to independent sleep—showing how to make the advice your own. This conversation is an empathetic guide to easing the pervasive maternal guilt when splitting attention between siblings. Plus, they dive into the surprising power of less structure and why embracing boredom and unstructured time is the biggest gift you can give your toddler, fostering creativity and self-play.

About Our Guest:

Nina Clark is a boy mum of two, born and bred in South Africa. She recently returned to Cape Town after a solid stint of nearly nine years living in London. While abroad, Nina founded Nightire, her successful sleepwear and bedding business crafting functional yet fashionable bedtime gear from 100% organic bamboo.

Nina joins Meg Faure on Sense by Meg Faure to share her honest and relatable journey into motherhood times two, including the transition back to South Africa and navigating life with a second baby.

Episode References and Links:

Book: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure

Toy Recommendation: Toniebox (Screen-free audio player)

📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:

Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, co-author of Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense, Kath Megaw, takes over to host a powerful and practical conversation with award-winning Paediatrician Dr. Candice Shah. They dive into the crucial link between nutrition, immunity, and early childhood development, focusing on the vital period of the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

Dr. Shah and Kath break down how parents can intentionally break the cycle of repeated illness and poor nutrition by focusing on simple, holistic strategies. They reveal the five VIP nutrients essential for brain and immune system growth (and the sixth that aids absorption!), discuss the miracle of the gut-brain axis, and advocate for making food a space of connection over perfection. This episode is a supportive, practical guide to feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered about your child's health.

About Our Guests:

• Kath Megaw: A Paediatric Dietitian, guest host of "Feeding Sense," and co-author of "Weaning Sense" and "Mindful Meals." Kath is passionate about helping families navigate the complexities of childhood nutrition with practical, evidence-based advice.
• Dr. Candice Shah is an award-winning Paediatrician based at NET Care in One City Hospital, known for her holistic approach to child health and her focus on the first 1000 days. She has been recognised with the African Excellence Award for her collaborative approach that empowers families from various cultures and backgrounds.

Episode References and Links:

Books: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure

📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social Media Channels:

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App

Web: https://parentsense.app/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure!

If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how: Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we tackle a topic that causes immense stress for many parents: picky eating. Meg is joined by paediatric nutritionist Natalia Stasenko, creator of the innovative Easy Bites app, to delve into the 'perfect storm' of toddler feeding, understand its roots, and offer practical, compassionate solutions for bringing peace back to the table.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the complexities of their child’s eating habits:

• The "Perfect Storm": Understand why picky eating typically peaks between 12 and 24 months, driven by natural developmental shifts and changing nutritional needs.
• Beyond a Phase: Learn how to identify when picky eating might be more than just a typical stage, exploring intrinsic factors like sensory sensitivities, temperament, gastrointestinal issues, and when to consider conditions like ARFID.
• The Parent's Role: Unpack how parental anxiety profoundly impacts mealtime dynamics and contributes to feeding challenges, creating a "horrible cycle" that needs to be short-circuited.
• Two Keys to Calmer Meals: Discover the foundational principles of "safety and connection" as the core of a positive, bidirectional feeding relationship, allowing nutrition to sometimes take a backseat to long-term well-being.
• Responsive Feeding & Division of Responsibility: Gain practical insights into creating a structured yet flexible mealtime environment where parents provide what, when, and where, and children decide how much or whether to eat.
• Maximizing Accepted Foods: Learn strategies for using your child's favorite foods as a "safety blanket" while gently introducing variety and fostering natural curiosity in fresh ways.
• The Power of Shared Meals: Why eating together as a family is crucial for fostering a child's intrinsic curiosity and a healthy, playful relationship with food, moving away from restrictive "boundaries."
• The Easy Bites App: Learn how Natalia's digital tool provides personalized guidance, recipes, and psychological support to integrate the responsive feeding approach into busy family lives, complete with questionnaires and developmental timelines.
• Exclusive Offer: A special promo code for 6 months free access to the Easy Bites app!

About Our Guest: Natalia Stasenko: A paediatric nutritionist, guest lecturer at Columbia University, and co-author of child nutrition books like Baby-Led Weaning and Real Baby Food. After struggling with feeding her firstborn, Natalia specialized in feeding problems in children and now supports families in her private practice in New York and London. She is the creator of the Easy Bites app, designed to democratize knowledge and empower families to raise generations of happy and confident eaters.

Episode References and Links:

• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.
• 📱 Easy Bites App – Natalia Stasenko's app for personalized picky eating guidance. Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1562987724&code=PARENTSENSE2025
• 🎁 Exclusive Promo Code for 6 months FREE Easy Bites App access: PARENTSENSE2025 (no spaces, no punctuation). Apply in the app store after download.

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we have a real and honest conversation about the notorious 4-month sleep regression. Meg is joined by regular guest Nina Clark, whose 16-week-old son, Josh, has gone from a great sleeper to waking multiple times a night. If you're in the thick of it, this episode is a lifeline.

Key discussion points include:

• The 4-Month Sleep Regression: Nina shares her experience with frequent night wakings and nap refusals. Meg offers a gentle, step-by-step guide to help your baby learn to self-soothe without "crying it out."
• Contact Naps & Sleep Habits: We have a real talk about the feed-to-sleep association and why 16 weeks is a pivotal time to gently guide your baby towards independent sleep to prevent long-term challenges.
• The Rolling Milestone: We celebrate Josh's new skill of rolling over and discuss why "floor time" is now more crucial than ever for long-term development.
• Baby Classes & Finding Your Village: Nina shares her experience with baby classes, and Meg discusses their true benefits—from finding your mom tribe to getting valuable one-on-one time with your baby.

This episode is packed with expert advice and the reassurance that you are not alone in this challenging, but temporary, phase.

About Our Guest:

Nina Clark: a boy mom of two - born and bred in South Africa and back on these fair shores after a solid stint in London. Which is where my sleepwear and bedding business, Nightire, started. Everything is made of 100% organic bamboo - for functional yet fashionable bedtime gear.

Episode References and Links:

• Meg's Sleep Sense Course: Find it in the Parent Sense app for a step-by-step guide.
• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Parent Sense mobile app:

Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:

• Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we are joined by the incredible parenting coach Ayanda Tetyana for a deep and inspiring conversation on intentional parenting. Ayanda argues that to raise resilient, respectful, and confident children, we must first look at ourselves. She introduces her powerful "Parenting Mirror" concept, a tool for self-reflection that helps parents understand how their own upbringing shapes their current parenting style.

Key discussion points include:

• The Power of Intentionality: Moving from reactive parenting to a conscious, value-driven approach.
• Future-Focused Parenting: Why you should parent the 25-year-old you want to raise, not just manage the 2-year-old in front of you.
• Setting Boundaries with Love: How to establish firm, respectful boundaries around core values like chores and safety, without crushing your child's spirit.
• Hearing Your Child's Voice: The importance of giving children the space to express themselves and why a child "challenging" you can be a sign of healthy development.
• The Parenting Mirror: A practical tool to help you reflect on your past and break free from unhelpful intergenerational patterns.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent who wants to move beyond just surviving and start thriving with intention and purpose.

About Our Guest

Ayanda Tetyana is a renowned parenting coach, psychology student, and mother of two. Inspired by her own journey into motherhood, she has dedicated her career to helping parents become more intentional and reflective. Through her powerful "Parenting Mirror" tool and her work in schools and media, she empowers parents to break old cycles, set value-based boundaries, and raise confident, respectful children. You can find her on

Website: https://theparenttcoach.learnworlds.com/home, Instagram: @ayatheparentcoach and TikTok at @ayatheparentcoach

Episode References and Links

• Find Ayanda Tetyana: on Instagram and TikTok @AyaTheParentCoach
• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Parent Sense mobile app:

Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:

• Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with regular guest Nina Clark as her son, Josh, hits the exciting—and challenging—16-week mark. Nina shares the joy of watching him achieve new milestones like rolling over, but also opens up about the notorious 4-month sleep regression and her struggles with contact naps.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent in the thick of the fourth trimester:

• The Rolling Milestone: We celebrate Josh's new skill of rolling from back to tummy! Meg explains the importance of this milestone for long-term development and why "floor time" is now more crucial than ever.
• The 4-Month Sleep Regression: Nina describes Josh's new pattern of frequent night wakings. Meg offers a gentle, step-by-step sleep training guide focused on self-regulation, separating feeds from sleep, and helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently without "crying it out."
• Contact Naps vs. Independent Sleep: A real talk about the feed-to-sleep association and why now, at 16 weeks, is a good time to gently guide your baby towards self-soothing to prevent long-term sleep challenges.
• Baby Classes & Finding Your Village: Nina shares her experience with baby classes, and Meg discusses the true benefits—from finding your mom tribe to getting valuable one-on-one time with your baby.
• Car Seat Battles: The conversation concludes with practical, sensory-based solutions for babies who hate the car seat, including deep pressure and managing sensory input.

About Our Guest:

Nina Clark: a boy mom of two - born and bred in South Africa and back on these fair shores after a solid stint in London. Which is where my sleepwear and bedding business, Nightire, started. Everything is made of 100% organic bamboo - for functional yet fashionable bedtime gear.

Episode References and Links:

• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Parent Sense mobile app:

Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:

• Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we have a vital and urgent conversation about the state of childhood today. Meg is joined by psychotherapist and author Nicole Runyon for a deep dive into why so many children are being labeled with diagnoses like ADHD and autism. Are these issues on the rise, or are we pathologizing normal behaviors?

Nicole argues that our modern environment—from excessive screen time and ultra-processed foods to permissive parenting trends—is fracturing our children's natural development. This episode serves as a powerful wake-up call for parents to reclaim their instincts, establish loving boundaries, and reconnect with their children on a deeper level. We discuss practical, preventative strategies for every age, from infancy to adolescence, focusing on fostering resilience and true connection. This conversation is not about guilt, but about empowerment.

About Our Guest:

Nicole Runyon is a psychotherapist, parenting coach, keynote speaker, and author with over two decades of experience in child and adolescent mental health. She is known for her deep insights into how technology, modern parenting styles, and environmental factors are impacting children's development. Her book, "Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation," empowers parents to reconnect with their instincts and raise resilient, independent children.

Episode References and Links:

• Book: Free to Fly by Nicole Runyon is available on Amazon.
• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Parent Sense mobile app:

Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:

• Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we celebrate a very special milestone: Aurelia's first birthday! We're joined by our regular guest and her amazing mom, Julia, to reflect on the powerful journey of the first year. From the challenges of navigating constant toddler germs to the profound emotional shifts of second-time motherhood, this is an honest and uplifting conversation about what it really means to grow into motherhood.

Key discussion points include:

• The Second Time Around: Julia shares how her experience was different from her first, marked by more confidence, less self-doubt, and the grace to let go of perfection.
• The Power of the Village: A heartfelt discussion on the importance of accepting help and how leaning on family and community can ease the burden of parenting.
• Organization is Your Friend: Julia reveals her top tip for maintaining sanity with two children: meal planning. Learn how a little weekend prep can transform your week.
• First Birthday Reflections: Meg and Julia share sweet and funny stories about their children's first birthday parties, from jelly buckets to flower pot party favours.
• A Celebration of Motherhood: Ultimately, this episode is a tribute to the incredible growth, learning, and love that defines a mother's first year with her child.

Whether you're approaching the first birthday or considering baby number two, this episode is filled with wisdom, humour, and lots of heart.

About Our Guest:

Julia is a mom to two beautiful children, Santiago and one-year-old Aurelia. As a regular guest on the podcast, she has generously shared her honest and relatable parenting journey, from the newborn days with Aurelia through to the exciting milestones of her first year.

Episode References and Links:

• 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.

CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE

Web: megfaure.com

Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/

Parent Sense mobile app:

Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:

• Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Leave a 5* rating and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list

For episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email [email protected]

This week leading pediatric dentist Dr. Rafif Tayara will joins us to explore the often-overlooked connection between your child's mouth and their overall health. This conversation goes far beyond just teeth, revealing how oral habits can impact everything from sleep and behaviour to long-term well-being:

• The Red Flag of Mouth Breathing: Learn why it's not normal for a child to breathe through their mouth while sleeping and how it can be a sign of underlying issues like allergies, tongue ties, or airway obstructions.
• Early Oral Hygiene: When should you start brushing your baby's teeth (or gums!)? Dr. Tayara provides a clear timeline, from cleaning newborn gums with gauze to introducing a toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste.
• Toddler Toothbrushing Battles: Get expert tips on how to manage a toddler who resists brushing, including the potential benefits of an electric toothbrush.
• Diet, Sugar & Juice: We discuss the impact of diet on oral health, why "100% organic" juice can still be problematic, and why eating a whole fruit is always better than drinking its juice.
• The Paediatric Dentist Difference: Understand the importance of early, positive dental visits and how a pediatric specialist is trained to manage children's health, behavior, and potential phobias.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Rafif Tayara is the co-founder of JuniorDental in Dubai and was voted “Best Paediatric Dentist 2025.” She is an international speaker, author, and mum of three with 16 years of experience in Paediatric Dentistry and Early Orthodontics. Her book, "Danny and Sarah go to Dr Smile," prepares young children for their first dental visit.

Episode References and Links:

• Find Dr. Rafif Tayara: @doctortayara and @juniordental.ae on Instagram or vist her website at JuniorDental Clinic -> www.juniordental.ae
• Connect with Meg FaureWeb: megfaure.com or parentsense.appSocial Media: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: @Megfaure.sense