Show Notes
This episode is all about food challenges in young children, picky eating, problem feeding, and taking the pressure off mealtimes.
Althea is joined by occupational therapist Tara from Evolve With Us Allied Health to unpack one of the most common concerns parents have around young children: food and mealtimes. Together, they explore what typical mealtimes can actually look like, why some of the expectations we have around children's eating may be unrealistic, and how to tell the difference between picky eating and problem feeding.
Tara shares her experience working with children, including neurodivergent children, and explains why understanding the "why" behind a child's behaviour is so important when it comes to feeding. They discuss how children's food preferences can change from day to day, why eating a varied diet and finishing everything on their plate aren't always realistic expectations, and when food challenges may require additional support.
They also unpack the difference between a picky eater and a problem feeder, including restricted food choices, dropping previously accepted foods, avoiding entire food groups, nutritional concerns, and when a child's response to food begins to significantly impact their wellbeing or family mealtimes.
Whether you're dealing with a child who has a small list of "safe" foods, struggling with introducing new foods, or simply feeling overwhelmed by mealtimes, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies and reassurance that feeding is a journey. Tara and Althea discuss how to make mealtimes more predictable, use familiar foods as a starting point, introduce new foods without pressure, and involve children in food preparation and shopping.
They also talk about the impact of social media on parental expectations around feeding and why the "perfect" mealtime you see online doesn't reflect the reality of most families.
Links mentioned in the episode Tara works as an occupational therapist at Evolve With Us Allied Health, supporting children and families with areas including emotional regulation, motor skills and feeding. She frequently contributes to the Evolve With Us Instagram (@evolvewithus.alliedhealth) and Facebook (Evolve With Us Allied Health) pages, where families can learn more and get in touch.
Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between.
Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode.
If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes.
Disclaimer The views and information shared in this podcast are general in nature and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not intended as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician-client relationship. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.
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