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 help children become more adventurous with food in a non-threatening, engaging way.

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 practicing gratitude can reduce stress, foster resilience, and create a positive environment for your...

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-eating roles, you’ll discover how to approach Thanksgiving with confidence and ease. Plus, learn...

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!

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.

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 encounter—from finding accurate information and financial support to addressing the complexity of...

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 the gut, oral motor, and mindset, and that focusing solely on sensory play may not be sufficient...

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 fear or anxiety related to a traumatic event like choking. Christine emphasizes that if a child...

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 means, and it's potential impacts!

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. Learn why these approaches often backfire and discover practical strategies to create a positive...

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 highlights the importance of equipping parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to support their...

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 willingness to try new foods. Ignoring these sensory factors can lead to more resistance and stress...

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 parents approach feeding with more empathy and effective strategies, ensuring their child feels...

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 introducing whole foods early, avoiding processed foods, and exposing children to a variety of flavors...

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 processing challenges. Join me, Christine Miroddi Yoder, as I share insights on how these factors affect...

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 normal picky eater and a problem feeder. She shares insights on the characteristics of normal picky...

In this episode of How To Unpicky Your Picky Eater, Christine Miroddi Yoder, a speech pathologist and holistic feeding therapist, explains what it means to adopt a holistic approach to feeding therapy for children with selective eating habits. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on feeding behavior, Christine's holistic approach considers the whole child, including their emotional, sensory, and psychological needs. She discusses the complexity of feeding, the importance of addressing...

Join Christine Miroddi Yoder in this insightful episode as she delves into the reasons why feeding therapy may not be yielding the desired results for your child. Christine, a seasoned expert in the field, shares her extensive knowledge and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of feeding therapy. In this episode, you'll discover: The challenges of finding a qualified feeding therapist and why not all therapists are equipped to handle feeding issues. The limitations of...

In this episode of our podcast, host Christine Miroddi Yoder empowers parents to make lasting, meaningful changes in their child's feeding routines. The goal? To transform mealtimes from stressful and selective to healthy and happy. Christine dives into the essential steps and strategies to help children move from being fearful of new foods to becoming foodies who enjoy a wide variety of meals. You'll learn about the different levels of picky eating—from fearful to foodie—and how to identify...

In this episode, we're diving into the four pillars of feeding success, which are crucial for transforming mealtime into a joyful experience. Christine Miroddi Yoder shares insights from her work with families, explaining how gut health, sensory integration, oral motor skills, and mindset play pivotal roles in a child's willingness to try new foods. She discusses her revamped parent course designed to meet children where they are in their feeding journey, emphasizing the importance of...

In this episode, Christine explores the often-overlooked connection between oral motor skills and picky eating. She highlights five key red flags, such as difficulty chewing and swallowing issues, that may indicate oral motor challenges. Christine emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the need for specialized training in therapists to address these concerns effectively. Not sure where to start? Take our 2 minute quiz to get started for free! Take the Quiz By Clicking Here

In this week's podcast episode, listeners will learn five practical ways to incorporate superfoods into everyday meals. The episode explores blending greens like spinach or kale into fruit smoothies, mixing seeds such as chia or flaxseeds into baked goods and breakfasts, and adding nuts and seeds to snacks and baking recipes. It also covers how to integrate beans and legumes into favorite dishes by pureeing them for soups or stews, and substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream in dips and...

In this week's podcast episode, listeners will discover the top 10 nutrient-packed snacks perfect for summer. We introduce easy-to-make and convenient snacks like fruit and nut butter packs, yogurt parfaits, and veggie sticks with hummus, highlighting their rich nutrient profiles including protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber. The episode also features creative ideas like cookie dough protein balls, smoothie sticks, and acai bowls, providing delicious and healthy alternatives to...