How to Un Picky Your Picky Eater

Tried sticker charts, bite counts, hiding veggies, even therapy — and still stuck? You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just working with the wrong approach . In this episode, I’ll break down the 4 biggest reasons most feeding strategies fall short (even the ones recommended by professionals) — and what to do instead if you want lasting change . Here’s what we unpack: 🚫 Why focusing only on behavior...

“I can’t afford it.” “I can’t make time.” “I just can’t deal with one more thing.” Sound familiar? In this episode, I’m diving into the most powerful mindset shift I teach my clients — and the one that completely changes the feeding therapy journey: → From ‘I can’t’ to ‘How can I?’ Because “I can’t” slams the door shut. But “How can I?” cracks it open just enough for possibility to walk in. We’ll...

Rewards, reinforcers, token boards… they might get your child to take one bite — but at what cost? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what most ABA-based feeding approaches miss entirely: connection . I’ll share my own experience working in an intensive ABA setting, the moment I realized something was deeply wrong, and what’s really required to help kids truly learn to love food. We’...

You’ve tried all the tips, set up a schedule, maybe even done therapy… but meals still feel like a battleground. 😩 Here’s the thing: most parents are unknowingly making one (or more) of these super common feeding mistakes — not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because the advice out there is outdated, confusing, or flat-out bad. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the 5 biggest mistak...

If you’ve ever packed a cooler full of “safe foods” for your child before a birthday party, BBQ, or school lunch—this episode is for you. Christine Miroddi Yoder, pediatric feeding expert, breaks down what safe foods really are, why kids cling to them, and how to tell if this behavior is just a phase or a sign of something deeper. You’ll learn how sameness equals safety in a child’s brain, why cer...

If your child has fewer than five foods in their diet, this episode is a must-listen. In today’s episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder, pediatric feeding expert and creator of the Unlocking Mealtimes framework, dives deep into what’s really going on when a child eats an extremely limited variety of foods. Spoiler: it’s not just picky eating—and it’s not your fault. You’ll learn: Why the “birthday party...

Feeding therapy isn’t just about getting kids to take a bite — and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. In this episode, Christine shares the real truth about what feeding therapy should look like, why most therapists aren’t trained in what your child actually needs, and what red flags to watch out for if therapy isn’t working. Whether you’re new to feeding therapy or knee-deep in wee...

You wanted kids — but are you actually parenting them… or just trying to survive the day? In this heartfelt and challenging episode, pediatric feeding expert Christine Miroddi Yoder invites you to pause and reflect on what your child really needs — not more therapy, more food exposure, or a perfect plate — but you. This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s a wake-up call. You’ll hear: The difference between w...

BBQs should be fun — but for parents of picky eaters, they can feel like a minefield. In this episode, Christine breaks down why summer cookouts are so tough for selective eaters and shares clear, compassionate strategies to help your child feel safe, supported, and calm (even when the only food on the table is hot dogs and ribs). You’ll learn how to bring anchor foods, what to say to judgmental r...

Summer is the perfect time to explore food in new, low-pressure ways! In this episode, I share five fun sensory play ideas that help kids feel more comfortable around food—without the pressure to eat it. You’ll learn how to use things like watermelon slime, ice cube excavations, and mud kitchens to spark curiosity and build trust, all while having fun outside.

Going on vacation with a picky eater can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share simple, practical tips to help you avoid food struggles while traveling. You'll learn what to pack based on your child's eating level and how to keep mealtimes calm, even in new environments.

Is summer making your child’s picky eating even harder to manage? You’re not alone — summer’s lack of routine, sugary treats, loud barbecues, and camp food surprises can quickly turn mealtimes into meltdowns. In this episode, pediatric feeding expert Christine Miroddi Yoder shares 5 essential summer survival strategies to help your picky eater feel safe, stay nourished, and even explore new foods...

Is your child stuck in a food rut? In this episode I walk you through 7 small but mighty shifts you can make today to start raising a more adventurous eater. These aren't big overhauls—just micro-changes that can create a major ripple effect in your child's relationship with food. You'll learn how to: ✨  Change the language you use around food ✨  Ditch the “just one bite” bargaining ✨...

In this episode, Christine dives into the all-too-common topic of toddler food strikes — breaking down what’s a completely normal developmental phase and what might be cause for concern. You’ll learn why food refusal often starts around ages 2–3, how it’s actually tied to healthy brain development, and how temporary dips in appetite or food interest are nothing to panic about. But Christine also h...

In this episode, Christine explores the strong connection between picky eating and anxiety, explaining how fear and a lack of safety can shut down a child’s ability to explore new foods. She shares how control, sensory overload, and even small perceived threats can trigger fight-or-flight responses that impact eating, offering insights for parents to better understand and support their child. &nbs...

Is your child’s picky eating more than just a phase? In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder, speech pathologist and holistic feeding therapist, dives deep into five often-overlooked reasons why your child might be struggling with food. From sensory sensitivities and oral motor delays to gut health imbalances, anxiety, and negative past experiences, Christine explains how these hidden factors can...

What happens when a child is too terrified to be in the same room as food? In this inspiring episode, Christine shares one of her favorite client success stories – a powerful reminder that change is possible, even when things start off tough. You’ll hear how one child went from only eating purees and gagging at the sight of food… to chewing steak. But the true transformation? It happened when his...

In this episode, Christine opens up about a case that deeply impacted her — a child with complex needs and a mom who truly wanted progress... but couldn’t take the first step herself. You'll hear what happened when hours of therapy, the best intentions, and skilled professionals weren’t enough — because the key ingredient was missing: the parent’s active involvement. Whether you’re a parent or a t...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Christine shares the personal journey that shaped her holistic approach to feeding therapy. From confidently planning for a perfectly natural eater to facing unexpected feeding challenges with her own son—tongue ties, reflux, and a slow shift into picky eating—Christine opens up about the real-life curveballs that inspired her to leave no stone unturned. She walks y...

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Christine shares a personal story from early in her career that completely shifted how she approaches feeding therapy—especially when it comes to children with autism. She opens up about a time she got it wrong, labeling a child’s struggles with food as “behavioral,” only to later realize the real root causes were sensory and oral motor in nature. Whether yo...

Have you ever wondered why your child takes a bite of food, seems to like it, but then refuses to eat more? In this episode, Christine breaks down the key reasons behind this behavior—like pressure, sensory overload, and uncertainty—and shares practical tips to help kids feel more comfortable trying foods again. Tune in to learn how to support your child’s eating journey without pressure or overwh...

In this St. Patrick’s Day-themed episode, Christine shares how to create the “right conditions” to get lucky at mealtimes with your picky eater. She discusses the importance of a low-pressure, supportive environment, using preferred foods as a starting point, and recognizing cues that may trigger resistance. Plus, she explains why mindset—both yours and your child’s—plays a key role in progress. T...

Have you ever noticed how your child picks up on your emotions, reactions, and even the little things you don’t say? In this episode, we explore how kids naturally mirror their parents—not as a reason to feel pressure, but as an opportunity for growth. I’ll walk you through simple, empowering ways to reflect on your own mindset, ease mealtime stress, and create a positive ripple effect that helps...

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Lessard, a naturopathic practitioner and detox specialist. We discuss Jennifer's journey into holistic health, triggered by her own health struggles and her daughter's health issues. Lessard emphasizes the importance of gut health and detoxing, noting that many health problems stem from gut issues and inflammation. She advocates for gut test...

Does your child eat for their feeding therapist but refuse to eat at home? Or maybe they eat for one parent but not the other? This episode dives into why kids behave differently with different people at mealtimes and what you can do to bridge that gap. Christine Miroddi Yoder breaks down the key factors—trust, pressure, history, and environment—that influence a child’s eating behavior. She also s...