#04 - Your Mindset as the Parent Matters

Today, let's shift away the focus from your child to YOU.

I want to talk about YOUR mindset around the table.

When your child struggles to eat, it’s hard not to get into negative thought patterns like – “If I don’t force them, they won’t eat” OR “it’s never going to change.” But those thought patterns and mindsets may in fact be contributing to slower progress at the table.

You may not realize it, but your mindset regarding mealtime influences your child’s performance.

I’ve personally seen it time and time again. And it can either be in a positive or a negative way. It can be your biggest superpower or, the biggest weakness, depending on how you use it.

Our mindset sets the foundation for how we interact with ourselves, our spouses, and our kids. Subconsciously it guides us toward reacting, responding, or behaving in certain ways. Sometimes, you may be shutting down opportunities for your child to progress at the table without even realize your mindset is holding you, and them back.


For example, I have encountered SO many parents who told me that they tried no pressure and it didn’t work. But when we break it down, we find out they didn’t really try it all the way. They tried it for one meal, 1 day, while still making comments about what their child was eating, or staring at their child while they ate.


The truth is, these parents didn’t truly believe that it would work - they didn’t believe that if they removed the pressure their child would learn to eat new foods. And so subconsciously, or maybe not so subconsciously, they didn’t fully remove the pressure or give it a fair chance. They didn’t fully lean in and let go. Without even realizing it their mindset was standing in their child’s way of mealtime progress.

And then, it became a self-fulling prophecy. They proved to themselves it didn’t work.

In future conversations with them, when they leaned in and changed their mindset as the parent, they were super surprised to find their child responded with confidence at the table.


A little side note here for you for those of you who are not so sure about the whole no pressure thing, I was reading a research study recently, and in this study they reviewed 120 articles. A review like this is considered one of the highest levels of research - and most trustworaling t thy. So they review 120 articles and found that pressuring your child to eat a certain food actually makes it like it less appealing to them!


There’s so much that goes into mindset at the table - your history growing up, your interactions with your child, and even who’s giving you advice on how to feed your child all influence your mindset (make sure it’s a reputable source with experience helping kids with feeding challenges). All of this influences your mindset. And there’s many more categories than just “pressure at the table.” It’s also important to explore your mindset around fun foods, progress, messy play and more.

So I really encourage you to take a moment and reflect on your beliefs at the table. Are they really helping your child? Or, could they be limiting both you AND your child from taking steps forward? My guess is, there’s probably a little of both!

And you may want to consider your child’s mindset too! Do they believe that they’re “just picky?” Do they think they only “like” or “dislike” a food? Or do they realize they’re learning to like foods, and that they can grow and change? Their thoughts and beliefs about these topics will change how they respond at the table.

Our entire focus of the Food Explorers Membership in January is mindset - because it really is that important.

We’re breaking down the most common limiting beliefs parents have at the table, and reframing them to go into this new year ready to bring the magic back into mealtime - the fun way. And it’s not too late to join us! Simply go to the link in my Instagram bio (@DrSamGoldman if you’re not following me already) and click Food Explorers Membership. 

I’ll see you there!

Legal

***This post/podcast is not sponsored. The opinions and content of this blog are unique to the writer unless otherwise stated. No compensation is received for the links shared.

Disclaimers: The information provided by OT 4 ME (“we,” “us” or “our”) on theot4me.com (the “Site”) is for general informational purposes only. The Site cannot and does not contain medical advice. Any medical information is provided as my/our personal experiences is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical advice.

THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. Although this blog/podcast contains external links WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING.