Like anything else in parenting, when it comes to feeding our kids, sometimes we bring in ideas and pre-conceived notions about food, meals, and eating habits and the right way to raise healthy eaters.  Some of it comes from our own experiences in childhood, or from family, friends, or social media and we quickly realize what we think should work, isn’t working.  Therefore, if we want to raise healthy eaters, we need to be flexible, make small adjustments, and re-think our approach. In this episode, I sat down with Polina Shkadron, MA, CCC-SLP, MSNE, CFTP, ADHD-RSP, a trauma-informed speech-language pathologist who specializes in autism, ADHD, language, and literacy. Polina is also a parent coach, nutrition educator, and founder of Play to Learn.  Polina talks about the different types of pressure, how to “consume with intent,” and why the environment and the words we use matter. She also offers easy ways we can change our approach at mealtimes, her 5 food rules—which are really simple to follow, fun activities you can do to encourage healthy eating habits, and how she got 2-year-olds to eat Brussels sprouts for breakfast. Welcome 2:06 Let’s talk about your story! 2:57 What is a trauma-informed speech-language pathologist? 4:45 We have a lot of influence on our kids’ food choices, but sometimes it can be in the form of pressure tactics. What are the 3 different types of pressure when it comes to feeding kids? 8:48 You talk about the importance of “consuming with intent.” Explain! 10:40 What are some mistakes we make when feeding our kids?  13:57 Do the words we use matter when we talk about foods and meals? 15:30 What is our role as parents when we’re feeding our kids? 21:58 What are some strategies you use to get kids to eat better and healthier? 26:14 How do our food choices impact the ways in which our bodies move? 28:57 How can we change our approach to feeding kids and focus on raising healthy eaters? 31:81 What are your 5 food rules? 36:00 What are some food family activities that we can do with your kids? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Polina talks about Ellyn Satter and the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR). Polina mentions the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Learn more about Polina at Play2LearnSLP.com and follow her on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift.