The Hidden Truth About Picky Eating & Why Bribing With Dessert Isn't Helping (Check Their Iron First!)

Mom Life: Uncomplicated - Parenting tips, organization, routines, self-care, mindset

🍽️ What's Inside This Episode

Could your child's picky eating actually be a sign of low iron? Join me and registered dietitian Jennifer House as we uncover the surprising health issues behind feeding struggles—from iron deficiency to breathing problems—and share the exact framework that eliminates mealtime battles without bribing, begging, or making three different dinners.

💔 Why You Need This (You're Not Alone, Mama)

• You're exhausted from fighting your kids to "just take three more bites" every single night
• You feel like a short-order cook making different meals for each family member
• You're worried your child isn't getting enough nutrition, and the guilt is eating you alive
• Mealtimes have become the most stressful part of your day—everyone's anxious before you even sit down

✨ How This Episode Transforms Your Mealtimes

🔍 The Iron Connection You Can't Ignore: Discover why checking your child's iron levels should be your FIRST step if they're struggling with picky eating, poor sleep, learning difficulties, or behavioral challenges. Jennifer shares her daughter's shocking story and why this simple blood test changed everything.

🎯 The Division of Responsibility Framework: Learn the exact roles YOU control (what, when, where) versus what your CHILD controls (whether, how much)—and how following this eliminates 90% of dinner battles. No more begging them to finish their plate!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Style Eating That Actually Works: Get practical strategies for letting kids serve themselves, why a simple footstool can keep toddlers at the table longer, and how to stop being a short-order cook without feeling guilty.

🚫 What to STOP Doing Right Now: We're breaking down why common tactics (bribing with dessert, pressuring to clean plates, making special meals) actually make picky eating WORSE—and what to do instead.

💬 Take the Focus Off Food: Discover conversation starters and strategies that make dinner pleasant again, reduce everyone's cortisol levels, and help your kids naturally develop a healthier relationship with food.

GUEST BIO:

Jennifer House is a Registered Dietitian, mother of three, author of The Parents' Guide to Baby-Led Weaning, and founder of First Step Nutrition in Calgary, Alberta. With years of experience at Calgary Children's Hospital and her own lived experience navigating feeding challenges, Jennifer specializes in helping families foster positive mealtime experiences through evidence-based, practical strategies that actually work in real life.

🎁 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Ellyn Satter's Division of Responsibility Model
• Iron deficiency testing for children
• Family conversation starters for mealtimes
• Footrest/supportive seating for young eaters

CALLS TO ACTION:

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