Food fights: I don't want to eat that!

In this episode of Milk and Madness, we dive into the complexities of feeding children, especially picky eaters. We'll share our personal experiences and challenges, from dealing with food aversions to creating healthy eating habits. The discussion covers the emotional stress of mealtime, strategies for introducing new foods, the impact of family dynamics, and managing expectations when dining out. We highlight the importance of reducing stress, maintaining a balanced approach, and educating children about food. Let the food fight begin.

Key takeaways:
Fluctuating food preferences:
Ever had your child demolish a dish one day and then think it's the most disgusting thing the next? We have! And unfortunately, its normal. Just like adults, kids' food preferences will evolve (sometimes overnight), which doesn't make it easy for us. It's one of those things where we have to pick our battles and move on.

Exposure, exposure and more exposure:
Kids may need to be exposed to new foods multiple times (10-15, or even more) before they consider trying them. When you think about it, this might be a defense mechanism from the cave days when not all ingredients had been tried and tested and deemed safe to consume. One thing is for certain, it required patience, patience and more patience.

Strategies for Encouraging Eating:
Encouraging kids to try new foods without pressure is important. Techniques like involving them in food preparation, using positive reinforcement, and avoiding special meals just for them can help. However, reducing stress around mealtimes is crucial, as children pick up on parental anxiety.

Brumotactillophobia (Broo-mo-tack-till-oh-FOH-bee-ya):
An irrational fear of different food items touching each other. Its severity can vary from person to person, but in general, it's considered a mild manifestation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This may explain why your child doesn't like different food items to touch and probably not because you compartmentalised their meals.

00:00 Welcome to the Milk and Madness Podcast

00:19 The Challenges of Feeding Kids

02:14 Personal Experiences with Picky Eaters

08:09 Strategies for Encouraging Kids to Eat

12:53 Educating Kids About Food

14:31 Balancing Autonomy and Nutrition

17:28 Teaching Kids About Sugar

17:54 Encouraging Healthy Eating

18:48 Food Preferences and Environment

19:44 Dealing with Picky Eaters

25:06 The Struggles of Eating Out with Kids

31:01 Managing Stress Around Kids' Eating Habits

32:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Remember, you’re doing a great job!

With love,

Nhi & Dee

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