77 | Why Forcing Kids to Eat Backfires: A Fresh Approach to Picky Eating

Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Ever had a parent tell you they’re at their wits' end with their child’s picky eating? Or maybe you’ve said the phrase, "Don’t worry, they’ll eat when they’re hungry," and wondered if that’s really the best advice. In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind picky eating and why forcing kids to eat might do more harm than good.

I sit down with pediatric feeding expert, Thalia Prum, who shares some fresh strategies for addressing picky eating in ways that actually work—and don’t create a power struggle between the parent and the child. We tackle why the "starve them into eating" mindset backfires, how to involve parents without making them feel like they’ve failed, and practical steps you can share with families to create a healthier, less stressful relationship with food.

Here's what you’ll learn:

• Why the common "they’ll eat when they're hungry" approach can damage a child’s mental and physical health
• How to foster a positive mealtime experience without the battles
• Tips to help parents feel more confident in managing picky eating without guilt
• The importance of protecting a child’s mental health when discussing weight and diet in the clinic

Connect with Thalia:
https://theplumpantry.com/
Instagram | family.snack.nutritionist
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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.