Food shaming puts undue stress on parents, especially as kids go back to school. Our guest, Amy Reed, is a pediatric dietitian who is teaching parents how to advocate for the needs of their kids. Whether your child is labeled as a "picky eater" or has significant challenges receiving nutrition, parents who aren't confident in what they feed their kids are susceptible to food shaming and bullying.
As a pediatric dietitian, Amy evaluates how well a child is growing and how their nutritional status is helping or hurting their growth. She works with kids with a wide range of eating issues and reminds us that eating is a learned skill. Each child develops the skill at their own pace. Amy encourages parents to feed their kids with confidence, they know their child run best.
Key Points:
- All foods have their place. Stay away from fads that eliminate food groups.
- One thing is constant: fruits and veggies are important.
- Look for information from credible sources:
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- Eating is a skill. What may look like a picky eater could be a child who is developing at a different pace.
- Parents of children with feeding issues often blame themselves and feel blamed by others.
- Many parents feel guilty because they aren't sure what to feed their kids. Lack of confidence make them vulnerable to misinformation.
- Parents should rely on good quality information rather than fads or marketing, especially during the pandemic.
- Family events can be very stressful for parent dealing with feeding issues.
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- Don't buy into "in my day kids ate what was put in front of them" guilt.
- Bring something along just in case.
- If you are hosting, ask about what the kids can eat.
- Have a go-to response, "I appreciate your concern. We are working with professionals and have a plan."
- Remember it is only one meal. If all the kid can eat is the cake, it doesn't make you a bad parent.
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