How Sensory Processing Affects Picky Eating with Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Parent Coach Effie Pomaki | Episode 101

About this episode

The episode discusses how sensory processing impacts picky eating and offers strategies for parents to support their children's mealtime experiences.

Picky eating, big emotions, and constant mealtime battles can leave even the most patient moms feeling overwhelmed. When nothing seems to work, it’s easy to assume it’s behavioural, but often there’s something deeper going on. I am talking to paediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Effie Pomaki about how sensory processing and nervous system regulation impact how kids eat, behave, and respond to daily routines. We cover practical, realistic strategies to reduce mealtime stress, support emotional regulation, and help your child feel more comfortable in their body. Effie and I talk about: How sensory processing affects your child’s ability to eat, focus, and regulate emotions Why picky eating is often linked to texture, smell, and visual sensitivities How to identify patterns in your child’s preferred foods to expand variety How to introduce sensory play in a low-pressure, child-led way Why food play outside of mealtimes reduces anxiety and increases exposure How to support kids who feel anxious about trying new foods How to use play and silliness to reduce power struggles and increase cooperation Why connection and safety are essential for learning and behaviour Effie…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Hilary Claire

Guest: Effie Pomaki

Topics covered

• sensory processing
• picky eating
• emotional regulation
• mealtime strategies
• child development
• nervous system

Keywords

• picky eating
• sensory processing
• emotional regulation
• mealtime stress
• child behavior
• nervous system
• food play
• texture sensitivities

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: paediatric occupational therapist, parent coach

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