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Parenthood transforms mealtimes from moments of nourishment and connection into battlegrounds of tears, tantrums, and untouched plates. In this raw, honest, and solution-focused episode, we dive deep with Kim and Kary, the occupational feeding therapists behind Solid Starts, to unravel the mysteries of picky eating and toddler food refusal.
The experts reveal a truth most parents desperately need to hear: that sudden food rejection around age two isn't personal or pathological—it's developmental. Your child who once happily devoured curry and now gags at the sight of bread isn't broken; they're evolving. "That toddler selectivity that kicks in really doesn't have to do with the food," Kary explains. "It has to do with their brain development and learning to say no."
Beyond the science of selective eating, we explore the emotional landscape of parenting through these challenges. The conversation ventures into territory rarely discussed: how different children have different eating personalities regardless of parenting approach, the socioeconomic realities of expanding food horizons, and the liberating truth that you only need to get parenting "right" about 20% of the time.
Perhaps most powerfully, Kim reminds us that "your kid doesn't want to be an asshole." When we recognize our children aren't purposefully trying to drive us mad—they're learning, making mistakes, and developing skills—we can approach the table with more patience and perspective.
Whether you're currently in the trenches of mealtime battles or looking ahead to smoother family dinners, this episode offers both practical strategies and emotional relief. Listen in for expert guidance on navigating the challenging waters of picky eating without losing your sanity—or your sense of self along the way.
Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com
Connect with Sam:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms
Connect with Zara:
Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zarahanawalt
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/
