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:
• • Professionals with training and credentials https://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert
  • NIH Nutrition Resources https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/index.htm
  • HealthyChildren.org https://healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
  • Talk to a registered dietitian
• 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.
• • 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.

Links:

• Amy Reed
• • https://www.amyreednutrition.com/blog/2018/03/06/lets-talk-gmos-part-1
  • https://www.amyreednutrition.com/blog/2018/03/08/lets-talk-gmos-part-2
  • https://cincinnati.momcollective.com/food-shaming/
  • https://www.amyreednutrition.com/blog/2018/4/23/how-to-be-supportive-of-a-family-with-a-picky-eater

• Have you liked the Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook page?
• Food Bullying: How to Avoid Buying BS by Michele Payn
• Embrace Your Heart with Eliz Greene