Debunking Myths and Managing Guilt Around Your Child's Picky Eating [Part 1]

Lift the Shame: Mothering Free From Diet Culture, Food Guilt, and Body Shame

Welcome back, mamas, to another episode where we challenge the myths of diet culture and the standards imposed on our children. As a mama of five and an intuitive eating dietitian, I've seen first-hand the impact of these standards, especially with two of my own kiddos who are selective eaters. We're going to debunk some common misconceptions about picky eating that often lead to stress and guilt. It's time we redefine the narrative around our children's eating habits.
We start off by breaking down the myths that can make meal times more of a struggle than they need to be. Understanding the factors that influence a child's eating preferences, such as biology, genetics and sensory profiles, can help us feel less responsible and more understanding. Remember, there's no need to 'fix' a selective eater. Exposing our little ones to new foods is crucial but so is acknowledging and accepting their individual preferences.
In our final chat, we tackle guilt – a common emotion that many of us parents feel when dealing with a picky eater. This guilt often leads to power struggles, creating a vicious cycle that benefits no one. We're going to talk about how to change the dialogue around selective eating and stop using labels like 'picky eater'. It's crucial to remember that the language our kids hear from us can become their inner dialogue. So let's end the shaming, embrace acceptance, and remind ourselves that we're doing the best we can. Join me on this journey to a more relaxed and enjoyable mealtime!

Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to [e-mail] or connect with Crystal on Instagram.