Did you know that the way your child eats can affect their speech and vice versa? Melanie Potock is a Speech-Language Pathologist who became a pediatric feeding expert through her experience as a mom of a former picky eater. She uses her SLP expertise to help parents introduce new foods to kids, form healthy eating habits, and really lay the foundation for a lifetime of good nutrition. I'm honored to host her here today in the Healthy Parenting Connector! Here's what you'll learn (and more):* Why Melanie didn't agree with the advice her pediatrician gave her about her "picky eater" and strategies she used to successfully infuse joy into the process.* The mistake many parents make by skipping 2 of Melanie's "3 Es of Eating" -- expose and explore -- and practical tips to incorporate those into your children's eating experience.* Why it's so important to teach kids the difference between "growing time" and "eating time." * Really easy tips for introducing foods to babies (and it will shock you how long you should use purees before starting something more solid!). * The problem with food pouches and sippy cups and why drinking through a straw is better than both!* A phrase parents should never use when introducing a new food to children, plus practical strategies for successfully adding variety to your table. * A quick few notes for parents of special needs kids that gives such a message of hope!I just met Melanie for the first time on this interview, but we started thinking with the same brain, I think, agreeing on Americans and snacking, practical parenting strategies, and our mutual fascination of brain science (and its application). I know you'll love her too, and these tips will really make a difference in your household immediately! Pick one new strategy to try with your picky eater today!Resources We Mentioned:* Find Melanie online at https://mymunchbug.com/* A special gift from Melanie! Take 20% off any of her amazing video courses at https://mymunchbug.com/ using code MYMUNCHBUG20* Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater: https://amzn.to/2Xfxi4T* Adventures in Veggieland: https://amzn.to/2FFj95S* Baby Self-Feeding: https://amzn.to/2FGAQSW* Happy Mealtimes with Happy Kids: https://amzn.to/2ZYtFgA* My interview with Dina Rose: https://kidscookrealfood.com/building-kids-eating-habits/* Melanie's New York Times article about pouches: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/19/well/rethinking-baby-food-pouches.html* Squooshi pouches and carrot baby food recipe on KS: https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/creamy-carrot-ginger-puree-homemade-baby-food-pouch/* Sippy cup review on KS: https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/finding-a-safe-sippy-cup-for-babies-and-toddlers-review-of-8-options/* Sippy cup info on Melanie's site: https://mymunchbug.com/2017/09/may-want-skip-sippy-cup-baby/* Our knife safety class: https://kidscookrealfood.com/knife-skills-for-kids-2/* KCRF resource page: https://kidscookrealfood.com/resources/* "The cooking connection" from Melanie's site: https://mymunchbug.com/2017/04/the-cooking-connection/* Melanie's interview on the 8 senses: https://kidscookrealfood.com/picky-eater-8-senses/* Picky Eating vs. Sensory Processing Disorder: https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/when-a-picky-eater-might-have-more-going-on-guest-post/As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.bio:Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist, pediatric feeding expert, and most importantly, a mom of a former picky eater. Shes experienced first-hand the stress that parents feel when they are worried about their childs nutritional health. Fast forward to today, and youll find Melanie blending her knowledge of feeding therapy with practical parenting strategies that help the entire family eat healthier. She also trains pediatricians and other health professionals in feeding therapy techniques that really work. She's the co-author of the award-winning Raising a Healthy Happy Eater,and her latest book, Adventures in Veggieland will Help Your Kids Learn to Love Vegetables with 100 Easy Activities and Recipes! Melanies advice has been shared in a variety of television and print media, including The New York Times, CNN.com, Huffington Post and Parents Magazine. Visit the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse and see how we teach children confidence in the kitchen: https://kidscookrealfood.comFind all the Kids Cook Real Food Healthy Parenting Connector videos at https://youtu.be/GVRq0m-Ehe4
