In this episode, Jennifer Friedman, a seasoned pediatric dietitian, spills the beans on navigating the tricky waters of selective eating in kids. Tara and Jennifer chat about why toddlers might snub their spaghetti, but snack on sweets. Jennifer explains that selective eating is just another step in growing up, tied to their budding independence and evolving taste buds. The conversation takes a deeper dive into how this finicky phase can be more pronounced in kids dealing with sensory issues, autism, allergies, anxiety, or OCD. Jennifer dishes out some tasty tips on making mealtime a blast and not a battle, emphasizing the power of a positive environment and engaging kids in the food prep dance—from the grocery aisles to the kitchen counter. She also cracks the code on why snacks are often the go-to for the discerning young diner: they're just plain predictable and delicious! Plus, they dish on making new foods fun by turning taste tests into a game and why it's okay for mom to cut herself some slack when the peas remain on the plate. With a spoonful of wisdom and a pinch of humor, Jennifer and Tara offer a recipe for easing mealtime mayhem and expanding tiny palates.

Links:

https://www.jennyfriedmannutrition.com/

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