Picky Eater… or Problem Feeder?
Amy Guttmann
Occupational Therapist Driving Wellness Through Neuroscience and Burnout Prevention I Founder and CEO of Hands On Approaches I Creator of Transcend?? Community
I used to wonder if my two-year-old son gained weight from just breathing. I knew it wasn't from what he was consuming in calories.
Mealtimes when my son was young felt like battles. Ok, if I'm honest - more like wars.?
I'd slave away cooking a delicious, balanced meal only to have him push the food around his plate. Vegetables were viewed with suspicion. New flavors were regarded as poison. I found myself bargaining for each nibble.
For the first two years of his life, I blamed myself. What was I doing wrong? Why was he such a picky eater? Why wasn’t he hungry? How could he survive on air and crackers alone??
I tried being stricter about not offering alternatives, but that only led to epic meltdowns. I resorted to hiding pureed veggies in his favorite foods, feeling guilty that I had to trick him into eating well.
I felt inadequate and inexperienced, because I was the “sensory expert” - but I couldn’t even get my own kid to eat!
And then… I delved a little deeper. And discovered some fascinating things about oral development, our brain physiology, and social components of feeding. It was time for a new perspective.
“Picky eaters” and “problem feeders” are not the same thing, even though they might look similar.?
Picky eating seems to be a rite of passage for kids (though that doesn't make it any easier on stressed-out parents!). Problem feeding is more severe and can impact health and growth over time.
When I put this new knowledge into practice, my son began eating. Our whole lives changed.??
Over our 25 years of treating children who struggle with sensory and developmental issues, we've supported parents time and time again with their 'challenged' eaters. And we’ve realized that any - and every - parent could use this information.
Our upcoming live webinar, "Picky Eating 101: A Webinar for Frustrated Parents" was inspired by our members who were seeking answers on the topic. (Thank you!)?
This Tuesday at 8:15 PM EST, we’re covering the science behind picky eaters and problem feeders, so you can identify whether your child is simply picky or dealing with a more serious feeding disorder.?
You’ll also come away with practical ideas you can implement right away in your home, including:
Family dinners can become enjoyable again. Our kids won't change their habits overnight - but with the right tools and techniques, we can slowly help expand their limited food horizons.
Join us and other parents looking for sanity at mealtimes at "Picky Eating 101: A Webinar for Frustrated Parents".
Don't Miss Out!
LinkedIn Live Event: Sensory Solutions at School and Work
Monday, March 4th, 2024, at 1:45 PM EST
(Amy, please add description here)
Live Webinar: Picky Eating 101: A Webinar for Frustrated Parents
Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, at 8:15 PM EST
Are mealtimes with your child a constant struggle?
Do you find yourself navigating through a maze of rejected foods and mealtime meltdowns?”
Are you unclear as to WHY your child is having such a hard time? Is it behavioral, sensory, or 'just a phase'?
Do you wonder if what you are experiencing is 'normal' or is there something to worry about?
"Picky Eating 101: A Webinar for Frustrated Parents" is here to provide practical solutions and expert guidance to help you overcome the challenges of picky eating. Hosted by Amy and Evelyn Guttmann, seasoned neurodevelopmental occupational therapists and child development experts, this webinar delves into the underlying causes of picky eating and equips parents with strategies to expand their child's palate and foster a positive relationship with food.
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From understanding sensory sensitivities to implementing creative meal ideas, join us for an interactive session designed to transform mealtime battles into enjoyable family experiences.
Say goodbye to frustration and hello to a happier, healthier eating journey for you and your child.
Making Sense of Sensory?
March 12 and 13, 2024 | Live Online
Making Sense of Sensory? is for any therapist or educator who sometimes feels as though they’ve hit a brick wall in helping their young clients or students.
Course Outline:
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About Amy and Evelyn Guttmann
Amy and Evelyn Guttmann are expert neurodevelopmental clinicians and sought-after speakers. They have evaluated over 12K children and have a rating of 9.7/10 for their learning experiences. They run Hands on OT Rehab, a private clinic in Brooklyn, NY focused on treating children with anxiety and processing delays, and Hands on Approaches, a continuing education provider for mental health therapists and professionals accredited by AOTA, APTA, ASHA, and the NYS Board of Education.
Amy and Evelyn are the founders of H.O.P.E Foundation, a non-profit supporting parents and the community in preventing anxiety and getting the support they need for their children.
Amy and Evelyn have been providing professional development since 2018 to organizations looking to boost employee well-being, performance, and retention, leveraging neuroscience and occupational therapy to create positive, thriving cultures.