How to Un Picky Your Picky Eater

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder shares her evolving perspective on feeding and how trust and connection have been the biggest game-changers in helping children feel safe and open to new foods. She explains the brain science behind this, including how anxiety and pressure activate the amygdala, making it harder for kids to engage with food, while oxytocin—the bonding hormone—helps them fee...

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder explains why the order in which you approach feeding challenges matters. Many parents try different strategies without success, often because they’re starting at the wrong point. Christine shares an example of a child with oral motor difficulties whose primary issue was actually fear of putting anything in his mouth. Addressing oral motor skills first would...

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder dives into an important yet often overlooked reality: sometimes, feeding progress naturally takes a backseat. Whether it’s due to a major life transition, illness, or medical challenges, there are times when pushing forward with feeding goals just isn’t practical—or productive. Christine shares real-life examples, including a child weaning off a ventilator,...

In this episode, we focus on the connection between feeling safe and trying new foods is deeply rooted in a child’s nervous system response. Safety, in this context, goes beyond the physical environment to include the body’s perception of safety, often influenced by past traumas or negative sensory experiences. For severely picky eaters, these fears can manifest in a reliance on "safe foods" and a...

In this episode of How to Unpicky Your Picky Eater , Christine Miroddi Yoder shares insights on what drives rapid progress in feeding therapy, emphasizing the pivotal role of parent involvement. She debunks the myth that a child’s severity or duration of challenges solely dictates progress, highlighting that parents who consistently engage with the strategies and materials see transformative chang...

In this eye-opening episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder explores the future of feeding therapy and how it reflects broader shifts in how we support and teach children. She discusses the challenges of traditional therapy models, where progress can be slow and disconnected from daily life, and introduces a transformative parent-focused coaching approach. Christine shares her vision for a more effective...

In this season opener, Christine Miroddi Yoder dives into the vital role parents play in their child’s feeding journey. Highlighting two contrasting family stories, she demonstrates how parent involvement can dramatically accelerate progress—or create roadblocks. Discover why therapy isn't about dropping your child off and expecting the therapist to work miracles. Instead, it's about empowering pa...

In this episode, we reflect on the progress made over the past year and set clear intentions for transforming mealtime habits in the year ahead. Whether you’re looking ahead to 2025 or beyond, Christine guides you through creating a detailed vision for your child’s eating habits, family mealtimes, and health goals. She emphasizes the importance of making intentional, manageable choices—both big an...

In this episode, Christine shares creative, practical, and purposeful gift ideas for children who are picky eaters. She discusses how parents can use holidays, birthdays, or special occasions to support sensory exploration, oral motor development, and even a mindset shift around food—all through play, books, and intentional activities. These gifts don't just entertain but also serve as tools to he...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude in your child's feeding journey. Learn why celebrating small wins can lead to bigger breakthroughs and how gratitude rewires your brain for success. Christine shares a heartwarming story of a family overcoming mealtime challenges and provides practical exercises to help you focus on progress instead of setbacks. Discover how practic...

Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of family, food, and festivities—but what happens when your child’s extreme picky eating adds stress to the day? In this episode, Christine shares seven practical strategies to make the holiday more pleasant for everyone. From setting realistic expectations to creating a sensory-safe environment, introducing foods before the big day, and involving your child in non-...

In this insightful episode, we share essential tips for parents navigating the challenges of picky eating. Discover evidence-based strategies, such as the importance of repeated exposure to new foods, creating a no-pressure dining atmosphere, and involving your child in meal prep to spark their interest.

Is your child’s anxiety making mealtimes stressful? Anxiety and picky eating often go hand in hand, but there are ways to help! In this episode, we dive into the link between food-related anxiety and eating challenges and share practical solutions like calming techniques and reducing mealtime pressure. Tune in for expert tips to make mealtimes easier for your child and YOU!   Visit https://un...

Is your child anxious around mealtime? In this episode, we share 5 actionable strategies to help reduce your child's anxiety around food. From creating a consistent routine to introducing new foods gradually, these tips are simple and stress-free to implement! No pressure, no bribes—just a calm, mindful approach to help your picky eater feel more comfortable. Visit https://unlockingmealtimes.com/...

In this episode, we sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters and a dedicated mom, to dive deep into the world of pediatric feeding disorders. Jaclyn shares her personal journey as a mother navigating the complexities of her own son’s feeding challenges and the impact this had on her mission to support other families facing similar struggles. We discuss the obstacles that parents encou...

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder dives into the concept of sensory play and how it can help children progress from being fearful eaters to more adventurous foodies. She discusses sensory processing and the importance of understanding a child's unique sensory profile across eight different areas. Christine emphasizes that sensory play is just one of the four pillars of feeding, alongside th...

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder addresses the concern many parents have about whether their picky eater will starve if they refuse to eat. She explains that while children who eat a limited variety of foods may not starve, they can become nutritionally deficient, which can lead to various health issues. True starvation concerns usually arise when a child refuses all foods, often due to fe...

In today's episode, we dive into a recent study on twins and picky eating, exploring whether picky eating is influenced more by genetics (nature) or by environment (nurture). The study suggests that genetics play a significant role in picky eating, with individual differences being 75-80% attributed to genetic factors. However, I discuss some limitations. Join me as I break down what this study me...

In this episode, we're diving into four common mistakes parents make when trying to improve their child's relationship with food. These mistakes, although easy to make, can sometimes make things worse. Join us as we explore how pressure to eat, offering too many choices, ignoring sensory and oral motor needs, and using food as a reward or punishment can negatively impact a child’s eating habits. L...

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked aspect of parent training in picky eating therapies. While many therapies focus solely on the child, they frequently miss the critical role parents play in fostering positive feeding habits. Without proper guidance, parents might struggle to implement effective strategies at home, potentially hindering their child's progress. This discussion highl...

In this episode, we delve into the concept of food chaining, a method used to introduce new foods to picky eaters by connecting them with familiar favorites. While this technique can be effective, the biggest mistake parents make is choosing new foods without considering their child’s unique sensory profile. Each child has specific sensory preferences and aversions that heavily influence their wil...

In this episode, we'll explore a common myth that kids will eventually eat when they’re hungry enough. The truth is, fear can be a powerful barrier that prevents children from eating, even when they are genuinely hungry. Whether it's the texture, smell, or even the sight of a new food, these fears can override their natural hunger cues, leading to mealtime struggles. Understanding this can help pa...

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder explores whether picky eating can be prevented, highlighting the difference between typical developmental picky eating phases and more severe food aversions. She explains that while some degree of picky eating is normal at certain ages, severe picky eaters often have underlying issues that need to be addressed. Christine emphasizes the importance of introdu...

In today's episode, we're diving into the fascinating and important topic of the connection between picky eating and autism. While having a picky eater doesn't necessarily mean your child has autism, many children on the autism spectrum tend to be very selective eaters. We'll explore the underlying reasons for this connection, focusing on two primary factors: oral motor issues and sensory processi...

In this episode of How To Unpicky Your Picky Eater, Christine Miroddi Yoder, a speech pathologist and holistic feeding therapist, dives into the topic of picky eating to help parents understand what is considered normal and when they should be concerned. Christine explains that while some picky eating phases are typical during certain developmental stages, there are key differences between a norma...