This is a re-run Does your child refuse to try new foods? Are family dinners filled with negotiations, frustration, or worries about whether your child is getting enough nutrition? If mealtimes have become a daily power struggle, you're not alone. In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, registered psychologist Tania Johnson sits down with Katie Kimball, founder of Kids Cook Real Food, TEDx speaker, and author of the highly anticipated new book, The Picky Eater Playbook, releasing November 10, 2026. Together, they explore why picky eating is about so much more than what's on a child's plate. From sensory sensitivities and anxiety around unfamiliar foods to the unintended consequences of pressuring children to eat, Katie shares a refreshing, practical approach to helping kids develop a healthier relationship with food. In this episode, you'll discover: Why kids become picky eaters: Understanding the developmental, sensory, and emotional factors that influence children's eating habits. Why pressure makes picky eating worse: How bribing, negotiating, and insisting on just one more bite can increase resistance and mealtime anxiety. How to end mealtime power struggles: Simple, practical strategies to reduce stress and create more peaceful family dinners. How to raise adventurous eaters: Helping children become curious and confident around unfamiliar foods without forcing them to eat. Why getting kids into the kitchen matters: How cooking, food preparation, and playful exploration can help children build confidence and independence. How to support a healthy relationship with food: Moving beyond controlling what children eat and toward building lifelong habits rooted in trust and connection. Drawing from her new book, The Picky Eater Playbook, Katie offers parents a compassionate, pressure-free approach to navigating picky eating and helping children feel more comfortable exploring new foods. The takeaway: Raising healthy eaters isn't about winning the battle over broccoli. It's about helping children feel safe, capable, and confident around food—one small step at a time. Join Tania and Katie for an encouraging, practical conversation that will help you understand your picky eater, reduce mealtime stress, and bring more joy and connection back to the family table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
