THE SENSORY MADE SIMPLE PODCAST

Transcript

Welcome back to episode number 27 of the Food Explorers Podcast.

Today, we're going to explore an important topic, why the term picky eater might not accurately capture what's truly going on with a child.

When we label a child as a picky eater, it suggests that they are intentionally being difficult or that they have control over their eating habits.

But the truth is often far more complex.

There are usually underlying reasons why a child exhibits certain eating patterns, and it's essential for us as adults to understand and empathize with their experiences.

The term picky eater can be really misleading and unhelpful.

It doesn't recognize that there are often biological or mental factors at play that affect a child's relationship with food.

These factors can include medical conditions, oral motor skills, sensory processing issues, and more.

Every single child is unique, and their eating habits can be influenced by a variety of factors.

It's important for us to approach this issue with sensitivity and a genuine desire to understand what your child is going through.

In my opinion, children are naturally motivated to please their parents.

They want to connect with you.

They want to make you happy, including trying new foods or eating foods that we serve them.

However, for some children, that pressure to eat these certain foods can trigger overwhelming emotions and anxiety.

It's really important for us to acknowledge and validate those emotions.

Our children aren't trying to be stubborn or difficult.

They are genuinely struggling with these feelings.

It's not you versus them at the table.

It's you and them conquering these challenging moments together.

When they attempt to eat a challenging food, their fight or flight response may kick in as a protective mechanism.

This fight or flight response is their body's way of reacting to perceived threats.

It's a biological response, and it can be incredibly challenging for children to overcome no matter how hard they try.

The fear and anxiety they experience can be a huge barrier to expanding their diet.

Of course, as adults, we know that broccoli isn't a massive threat, but it might not seem that way to your child's brain.

So rather than labeling a child as a picky eater, it's important for us to support and work with them.

Creating a positive mealtime environment free from pressure or negative associations can make a huge difference.

We can introduce new foods gradually and encourage children to explore them at their own pace.

It's important to celebrate those small victories and focus on the progress they make no matter how small it may seem.

Again, this progress may seem really, really small, like just looking at a food or just touching a food, but we want to focus on movement in the positive direction no matter how tiny.

And of course, seek professional help if necessary to identify any of those underlying issues that may be contributing to or resulting from your child's eating challenges.

But let's not forget the power of empathy and patience here.

Understanding that children are not intentionally being difficult but are struggling can help transform our mindset and help us approach mealtimes with compassion and reduce those mealtime battles.

If you're ready to embrace this mindset, to break that cycle of mealtime battles and to introduce new foods in a non-pressure and fun way, then I really recommend you come over and you take a look at my Food Explorers membership.

Each month, the membership focuses on one new food.

Parents gain access to a short private podcast training dedicated to understanding and exploring that specific food.

Then throughout the month, you are provided with three to four simple activities that gradually help children become more comfortable with the food and encourage positive interaction.

The Food Explorers membership takes the stress out of introducing new foods and replaces it with excitement and curiosity.

It empowers parents with the knowledge and tools to break free from mealtime battles and foster a better relationship between their child and new foods.

So if this sounds good to you, head over to www.drsamgoldman.com food-explorers-membership to join us today.

To summarize this episode, I don't love the term picky eater.

I don't think it sends the right message to you or your child.

Instead, I believe a much better strategy is to realize they are struggling and work as a team to overcome that struggle.

I'll see you back here next week where we talk all about how to start this with food play.