The Airplane Spoon Podcast: Real questions and Real stories about Feeding Children

In this follow-up to our Tube-Feeding Soup episode, I sit down with Michelle, a mom who opens up about her family’s journey with her daughter’s feeding tube. Michelle shares what the process was really like—from the fears and tough decisions to the small victories and moments of resilience along the way.

Together, we talk about:

• What it’s like to face the decision for a feeding tube
• How a family adjusts to the new routines and responsibilities
• The emotional side of feeding differences—for parents and children
• The surprising ways tube-feeding can strengthen connection and support growth

This episode is about more than medical care—it’s about family, adaptation, and finding new ways to thrive.

Whether you’re a parent walking a similar path, a professional supporting families, or just curious to hear a real story behind the tubes and terminology, Michelle’s perspective offers honesty, hope, and heart.

Tube feeding can feel like a scary or unfamiliar topic—but for many families, it’s just another part of their child’s care and development. In this episode, we’re stirring through the world of feeding tubes: why kids need them, what daily life looks like, and how families navigate the emotional, practical, and social layers that come with it.

Whether you’re supporting a child with a feeding tube, considering this path, or just curious to understand more—you’re in the right place.

Next episode: We'll be talking with a parent of a child with a feeding tube, sharing what this journey has looked like in real life.

In this episode, we take a thoughtful and compassionate look at what "picky eating" really means — and why that label might not be as helpful as we think. We explore how picky eating often shows up as a natural part of child development, especially for kids who crave predictability in a world of ever-changing flavors and textures. You'll hear practical ideas for supporting children in mealtime routines, creating predictability, building food curiosity, and offering empowering choices.

We also talk about when picky eating might be something more — like a feeding or swallowing challenge — and how to know when it’s time to seek extra support. And as a bonus, we dive into the power of labels, and how the words we use to describe our kids can shape their self-identity far beyond the dinner table.

If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or worried about what your child will (or won’t!) eat, this episode is for you. Let’s take the pressure off and approach mealtimes with more understanding, empathy, and hope.

In this episode, we cover:

🍽️ Why the term "picky eating" is overused — and often misunderstood

🧠 The developmental reasons children may avoid certain foods

🧃 Tips to make food experiences feel safer and more predictable

🛠️ Simple ways to involve kids in food prep without pressure

❤️ How labels shape identity — and what to say instead of "picky"

Mentioned:

• Feeding therapy and the four pillars: medical, nutrition, skill, and social-emotional
• The concept of food jags and predictable eating patterns
• Empowering children through choice and ownership at meals

👀 Next episode preview:

We’ll be cooking up Parent Styles Soup — diving into the unique strengths, values, and challenges that shape the way we parent. Whether you're all about structure, nurturing, logic, or creative freedom, understanding your parenting style can be a powerful tool in showing up with intention.

Screens are everywhere — in our homes, our schools, our pockets. But when it comes to kids, screen time can feel like one of the most overwhelming and guilt-inducing topics out there.

In this episode of P Soup, we're diving deep into Screen Time Soup — not to judge or scare, but to bring clarity, curiosity, and compassion to a topic many parents wrestle with daily.

We’ll explore:

🍲 How different types of screen use affect thinking, learning, and creativity

🍲 What the research says about behavior, emotional regulation, and parent-child connection

🍲 The broader impacts on health, including sleep, movement, and stress

🍲 The nuance — including how technology can be a powerful support for children with developmental differences

🍲 Why human connection is irreplaceable, even in a digital world

🍲 And the key question: Is this screen stepping in where I want to be showing up?

This episode is an invitation to think more intentionally about screen time — not from a place of fear, but from a place of love, values, and meaningful connection.

In this episode, we are going to explore the idea that trust is everything—especially for children who are growing, learning, and navigating big emotions. But also for all of us, as people who interact with other people and build relationships.

We are going to talk about what trust is and what trust isn’t. 

Then, I’m going to share my Trust-Based model that I use when I support families and children.

And finally, I will paint a picture of trust by thinking about a bridge.

Next episode: Screen Time Soup

In this heartfelt episode of P Soup, I sit down with Angshuman, father of Sudipta, as he shares his personal journey through his son’s autism diagnosis. From early signs and challenges to unexpected joys and moments of connection, Angshu reflects on what it means to be a parent navigating the unknown and how important it is to find a support network of people who can guide you along the way.

We talk about support systems, school experiences, cultural perspectives, and how fatherhood itself can be reshaped by a child’s unique way of being in the world. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about real-life stories behind the label of autism, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and hope.

In this episode of P Soup, we’re breaking down what is autism really, and what is it not? How has our understanding evolved over the years? I’ll share my personal journey from knowing nothing about autism to working extensively with autistic children and their families.

We’ll explore common misconceptions, the unique ways autistic individuals learn and communicate, and the invisible challenges many families face. Plus, we’ll talk about therapy options, representation, and why embracing neurodiversity matters.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to support an autistic child in a way that respects their individuality, this episode is for you.

Reading aloud is like a superfood for the brain—boosting language skills, strengthening relationships, and even counteracting screen-time distractions! In this episode of P Soup, I dive into the science and magic behind reading aloud, sharing how it supports language development, emotional growth, and deepens the bond between you and your child.

You'll hear:

📚 The 5 key benefits of reading aloud (including brain science & empathy-building!)

📖 Tips for making reading a stress-free, joyful part of your daily routine

📕 My favorite book recommendations for different ages & interests

📖 The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction – Meghan Cox Gurdon

📄 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement (Nov 2024): Literacy Promotion as an Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice

✨ Interactive Books:

• Press Here – Hervé Tullet
• High Five Animals – Sandra Boynton
• Peek-a-Who – Nina Laden

😂 Silly Stories:

• Clip Clop – Nicola Smee
• Bedtime for Chickies – Janee Trasler

📚 Longer Stories:

• Elephant & Piggie series – Mo Willems
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

❤️ Forever Classics:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Eric Carle
• Fox in Socks, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – Dr. Seuss

💬 What I'm Reading Aloud Now:

• The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (with my nephew)
• Blink – Malcolm Gladwell (with my wife)

Whether you already read with your child or need a little motivation to start, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you make the most of storytime.

🎧 Listen now and let’s make reading aloud a cherished part of your family’s daily life!

Mealtime is about more than just food—it’s a powerful opportunity to build connection, strengthen family bonds, and support your child’s development. In this episode, we dive into the why behind shared mealtimes, exploring the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits backed by research. We also tackle real-life challenges like busy schedules, picky eating, and screen distractions, with practical tips to make mealtimes more meaningful and manageable for your family.

✅ How family meals support social, emotional, and language development

✅ The surprising academic and health benefits of shared mealtimes

✅ Why mealtime routines help kids feel safe and connected

✅ Practical strategies for making family meals easier—even with picky eaters and busy schedules

✅ Tips for reducing screen time and encouraging more conversation at the table

💬 Have a mealtime success story or challenge? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Reading aloud is one of the best ways to boost your child’s language, literacy, and emotional connection with you. In the next episode, we’ll explore how to make reading time a special, stress-free habit in your home. Don’t miss it!

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