Love Eat Thrive

About Love Eat Thrive

Love Eat Thrive is a podcast for parents about how to feed kids, not just what to feed them. While parents are flooded with nutrition advice, they’re given far less guidance on the feeding dynamics that shape how kids eat now and feel about food long term. Love Eat Thrive focuses on the everyday choices that help set kids up for a healthy, trusting relationship with food for life. The podcast is hosted by Heidi and Jeni, child development experts and pediatric feeding specialists, who translate child development and feeding science into realistic, everyday support for parents.

Publisher

Spectrum Pediatrics

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Dec 2025

Latest episode

17 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Apr 2026

   Kids and New Foods: From Exposure to Opportunity

   You keep offering new foods… and your child keeps refusing them. So is it just about more exposure? Is there a better way? We know there’s a lot around us about exposing kids to new foods and what that means. While that’s important, “exposure” can sometimes feel like something happening to your child instead of with them. Feeding is a relationship. It’s back-and-forth, not one-sided. When the goal becomes “just take a bite,” kids often feel pressure, even if we don’t mean it that way. That pressure can lead to more refusal, or kids eating just to please you… not because they’re actually interested. Instead of trying to get your child to eat something, focus on creating opportunities to engage. That might look like: Seeing a food on the plate Touching or playing with it Smelling it… or eventually tasting it An opportunity isn’t about eating necessarily. It’s about experiencing. When kids feel involved instead of pressured: They build autonomy (“I get to decide”) They stay curious about food Mealtimes feel more connected and relaxed And over time, this supports something big: their ability to self-regulate, to listen to their own body and develop a healthy relationship with food. You don’t have to offer new foods constantly. Small, consistent opportunities at home, at the store, on weekends are enough. Pair new foods with familiar ones, and let learning happen over time. When you shift from exposure to opportunity, you’re not forcing the outcome. Think about it instead as you’re creating the space for it. That’s where kids start to explore, learn, and eventually try new foods… on their own terms. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

2. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Feeding Your Kids with the Future in Mind

   Most parents share the same goal: raising a child who’s healthy and has a positive relationship with food. But in the day-to-day of meals, it can start to feel like it’s all about bites, battles, and what’s on the plate. It’s easy to focus on the food itself. Things like what they’re eating and how much. What truly shapes your child’s relationship with food long-term is often how feeding feels, not just what’s served. Your child is always watching, even when you’re not talking directly to them. The way you speak about food, your body, and eating in general matters more than we often realize. Keeping things neutral and avoiding diet talk or negative body comments helps create a safe, positive environment. And if that feels hard, getting support for yourself is part of supporting your child too. At the same time, kids are naturally good at listening to their hunger and fullness if we give them the chance. When we reduce pressure and step back a bit, we allow them to build that internal awareness. A few ways to support that: Avoid pressure like “just one more bite” Skip rewards or punishments tied to eating Trust that intake balances out over time, not just in one meal Keep a predictable structure with meals and snacks Rather than controlling what or how much your child eats, think about creating space. You provide the food and the opportunity, and your child decides what and how much to eat. That sense of autonomy helps them stay open and flexible with food over time. This also goes beyond the plate. The messages your child hears about bodies and identity matter. Focus on what their body can do Celebrate who they are, not how they look Build trust in their body, not control over it And through all of this, enjoyment matters more than we think. Mealtimes don’t have to be perfect. Connection, comfort, and ease go a long way It’s okay if meals look different! Enjoy eating at the table, at the park, or on the couch Positive experiences now help build variety and confidence later Feeding your child isn’t just about today’s meal. It’s about building trust, confidence, and a relationship with food that lasts. When you focus on connection, autonomy, and enjoyment, the rest can follow. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

3. 

   27 Mar 2026

   Why is My Toddler Suddenly A Picky Eater?

   One day your child eats everything… and the next, they’re refusing foods they used to love. It can feel sudden, confusing, and honestly a little alarming. So what’s actually going on? Jeni and Heidi are here this week to explain and provide some tips and tricks! Picky eating in toddlers is incredibly common, and for most kids, it’s a normal part of development. What can feel like a personality shift (“my child is a picky eater”) is often more about where they are than who they are. Between about 18–30 months, many children: Start rejecting familiar foods Show strong preferences Seem less adventurous than they were as babies And while that can feel frustrating, there are some very real reasons behind it. This is happening because toddlers are in a phase of rapid change physically, emotionally, and developmentally. Autonomy: They’re learning they have opinions and control (“I can say no!”) Neophobia: A natural caution around new or unfamiliar foods Slower growth: Appetite decreases compared to infancy Busy brains: They’re focused on exploring the world, not sitting still to eat Put it all together, and it’s the perfect setup for selective eating. When kids start refusing foods, it’s natural to want to fix it. But some strategies can actually make picky eating stick around longer: Pressure: Even gentle “just try it” can backfire over time Rewards: Can shift eating to external motivation instead of internal cues Over-relying on favorite foods: Can lead to burnout and less variety overall A helpful gut check: Is my goal just to get the food into their mouth right now? If yes, it might be worth rethinking the approach. Instead of focusing on how much your child eats, shift toward the experience: Keep offering a variety of foods without forcing Change things up (different shapes, plates, or settings) Eat together when you can! Kids learn by watching you Balance structure and autonomy: You decide what and when They decide if and how much And remember: many toddlers lean into carbs like pasta, crackers, and rice for a reason. Their bodies and brains need that energy. For many kids, variety slowly increases again around school age as: Social influences grow Exposure increases Pressure decreases Trying to rush this process can backfire. It’s important to remember that progress tends to come more naturally over time. Sometimes that doesn’t happen as quickly or naturally as you’d hope and that’s okay too. Consider reaching out if: Growth or nutrition is a concern Mealtimes feel consistently stressful or combative Your gut is telling you something isn’t right The right support should help you focus on the big picture, not just what your child eats today, but how they relate to food long-term. If your toddler is suddenly picky, you’re not alone and it doesn’t mean something is wrong. This phase is messy, normal, and full of learning. Stay steady, stay flexible, and know that with time and the right approach, things can shift again. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

4. 

   20 Mar 2026

   Starting Solids

   Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but with so much advice online and from others, it can quickly feel overwhelming. In this episode, Jeni and Heidi simplify the process so you can feel confident following your baby’s cues and finding an approach that works for your family. Before focusing on what foods to offer, it’s important to feel prepared for safe feeding. Many parents find it helpful to take an infant CPR or first aid course so they feel confident at mealtimes. It’s also a good idea to talk with your pediatrician about when your baby may be ready to start solids and to discuss introducing common allergens. Early and consistent exposure to allergens can help reduce allergy risk for many children. Most babies begin solids around 6 months, but readiness is about development, not just age. Look for signs like: Sitting upright with good head and trunk control Reaching for food or showing interest in what others are eating Ability to stay seated without tipping over Teeth are not required for starting solids. Early feeding is largely about exploration and learning. Before the first bite of food, babies can benefit from simply being part of family meals. Sitting in a high chair at the table allows them to watch, explore, and become familiar with mealtime routines. This makes the transition to solids feel more natural. Purees, Baby-Led Weaning, or Both Families often hear about two main approaches to starting solids: Purees Smooth texture that can be easy for babies to manage Efficient way to introduce flavors and allergens Opportunity to explore spoons and messy textures Baby-Led Weaning Babies feed themselves soft, safe solid foods Encourages independence and sensory exploration Helps develop chewing and oral-motor skills Many families find a combination of both approaches works best. No matter the method, try to slow down, watch your baby’s cues, and allow them to participate rather than simply feeding “to” them. Gagging vs. Choking It’s common for babies to gag as they learn to eat. Gagging is usually noisy and protective, helping keep the airway safe. Choking, however, is an emergency and is often silent with difficulty breathing or color changes. Understanding the difference can help parents feel more confident during meals. Focus on Exploration, Not Perfection Early feeding isn’t about following a perfect plan. What matters most is: Safety and comfort Following your baby’s cues Offering flavor and texture variety Keeping mealtimes positive Starting solids isn’t a strict curriculum! it’s a learning process for both you and your baby. Stay responsive, keep safety in mind, and enjoy watching your child explore food for the first time. If it feels like it's not going well, reach out! Get some help from a responsive feeding therapist. You've got this. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

5. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Hunger, Appetite, and Feeding Kids

   Ever catch yourself thinking, “My kid is never hungry!” or “My kid is always asking for food!”? You’re not alone. This week, Heidi and Jeni are talking about the relationship between hunger, appetite, and feeding our kids in a way that keeps both things in mind. When we talk about eating, it helps to understand the difference between hunger and appetite. Hunger is the body’s biological signal: “I need nutrition.” It’s physical. It’s the green light. Appetite is more complex. It includes desire, preferences, past experiences, mood, and what sounds good in the moment. If hunger is the green light, appetite is the gas pedal. Both drive eating and both vary widely from child to child. Hunger is actually an important teacher. Kids need some space between meals and snacks to feel it. Grazing all day or constantly trying to prevent hunger can make it harder for them to recognize and respond to their body’s signals. It's important to remember roles at the mealtimes: Parents decide what, when, and where food is offered. Children decide whether to eat and how much. Young children regulate their intake over time, not necessarily at every meal. Portion sizes are often much smaller than adults expect, and energy needs vary greatly by child. We hear quite a bit too that dinner is often the hardest meal and that makes sense! Kids are tired, overstimulated, and coming off a long day. Stress (es, even excitement or positive stress!) can dampen hunger cues. That’s why minimizing pressure and creating a consistent, low-stress eating environment matters. Hunger isn’t an on/off switch. It fluctuates. Life is loud. Kids are learning constantly. Appetite changes are normal. Our job isn’t to control how much they eat, it’s to provide structure, reduce stress, and trust their bodies over time. When we give kids space to feel hunger, structure to respond to it, and trust in their ability to regulate, we’re doing more than feeding them; we’re helping them build a lifelong relationship with food. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

6. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Your Child's Growth

   Ever leave a pediatrician visit staring at a growth chart wondering, “Is my kid actually growing okay?” You're certainly not alone. Jeni and Heidi are here this week with some tidbits regarding what those charts really mean and what they don’t. Many parents worry about their child’s size or eating. Between doctor visits, comments like “tiny peanut” or “big healthy baby,” and advice from everywhere, it’s easy for growth to become stressful. That stress often shows up at mealtimes and pressure around food usually makes feeding harder, not easier. Here’s the key thing to know: Growth charts were never meant to be the sole measure of your child’s health. They’re tools designed to look at trends over time, not to diagnose health in individual kids. They’re just one piece of a much bigger picture. A few helpful facts: Growth charts are based on population snapshots, not children followed long-term. They don’t account well for neurodivergence, medical history, ethnicity, or family growth patterns. Real growth is rarely a smooth line, rather, it happens in spurts and pauses. Where your child lands on the chart does not automatically mean something is wrong. Doctors often lean on growth charts because they’re quick and measurable  (especially with limited visit time!) but they don’t tell the whole story. Labeling a “problem” too quickly can lead to pressure or restriction around food and both tend to backfire. Kids who are pressured usually eat less, and kids who are restricted tend to eat more. If concerns come up, ask whether recommendations are based only on the chart or also on other markers like: Energy and activity Development and learning Overall health Feeding patterns over time If you see changes in your child's growth, some things to remember: Percentile changes can be normal. Weight loss (outside illness or travel) is worth discussing with your provider. Growth should always be viewed in context. Growth charts offer information, but they don’t define your child. When we zoom out and look at the whole picture, we support not just growth, but lifelong health and a positive relationship with food ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

7. 

   6 Feb 2026

   Sweets, Treats, and Feeding Kids

   If offering your child sweets, processed foods, and “junk food” makes you feel unsure or guilty as a parent, you’re not alone. This week, Jeni and Heidi talk about how to provide the foods that often get a bad rap while still feeding kids in a way that supports health and a good relationship with food. A big part of this conversation starts with how we talk about food. When foods are labeled as “good,” “bad,” or “junk,” kids can pick up on shame and fear, sometimes without us realizing it. Childhood is when kids are learning to listen to their bodies, and overly strict or moral language can make that harder. Sugar gets a lot of negative press, but here’s some helpful context: kids’ brains run on carbohydrates, which break down into glucose (a form of sugar). Kids naturally need more carbs than adults, and they’re biologically wired to enjoy sweet foods (hint: breastmilk is sweet for a reason!). Sugar isn’t a poison, and research doesn’t show a direct link between sugar and hyperactivity. Often, it’s the environment (things like less routine, more excitement) that drives those big reactions. Processed foods get a bad rap too, but they can offer consistency and comfort in a world where kids’ lives change constantly. Plus, they’re not “nothing”! In fact, those processed foods provide energy and nutrients that help fuel growing bodies. Jeni and Heidi are breaking it down: How we talk about food matters just as much as what we offer Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” Sugar provides quick energy and supports brain development Research doesn’t support sugar causing hyperactivity Processed foods can still serve a purpose Your family’s access, time, and capacity matter Offer foods your child feels safe eating at every meal At the end of the day, you get to decide what works for your family. When kids trust that food is available and allowed, they’re less likely to obsess and more likely to build a healthy relationship with food over time. Less fear, more trust, and a whole lot more peace at the table. 🍪 ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. ** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com.

8. 

   23 Jan 2026

   Worry About Feeding Kids?

   Feeding kids can be one of the most emotionally loaded parts of parenting, and before we even realize it, worry about nutrition, growth, or volume can start running the show. Worry around kids’ nutrition and food choices is almost universal for parents. We know that parents care deeply because food matters, your children rely on you, and the pressure to “get it right” can feel constant, especially in a world full of fear-based nutrition messages and picture-perfect plates online. As parents, our ability to feed our kids often feels tied to our identity. Add in social media, family comments, and endless advice about what kids should be eating, and it’s easy to slip into comparison mode. That worry cycle can quietly take over mealtimes, shifting our focus from connection to counting bites and from enjoying our child to managing numbers and nutrients. This week, Jeni and Heidi are sharing some helpful reminders: Food is often framed in extremes (good vs. bad), which fuels fear and pressure. Kids don’t learn to eat well through fear. Worry can cloud the ability to see who your child actually is and what they truly need. Pressure to eat doesn’t lead to long-term healthy eating. In fact, research shows it often does the opposite. There is huge variation in how healthy children eat. Their preferences, portion sizes, and pace all differ. What helps counterbalance feeding worry: Put your oxygen mask on first. Caring for yourself (eating, nourishing, managing stress) matters more than perfection. Model, don’t manage. Kids learn by watching how you eat and how you relate to food and stress. Curate your information. Follow voices that support responsive feeding, body respect, and flexibility rather than pushing fear or “perfect” plates. Zoom out. Look at your child as a whole person, not just a single meal or day. Prioritize the relationship. Trust, comfort, enjoyment, and exposure matter more than hitting nutrition trends. Remember that how we feed kids matters more than what we feed them. When focusing on quality interactions and connection, we're create the foundation for lifelong healthy eating. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

9. 

   16 Jan 2026

   Questions About Your Kid's Food Variety?

   “My child only eats five foods! Should I be worried?” If picky eating and lack of variety feel stressful, Jeni and Heidi are here this week to explain what is normal, what kids actually need, and how to support variety without pressure. Concerns about variety are incredibly common and understandable. Parents want to set their kids up for a healthy relationship with food, but adult nutrition advice often clouds what truly matters for children. Kids aren’t small adults. Their bodies and brains have different needs, especially in early childhood. Many parents worry when their child seems to prefer only carb-heavy foods. In reality, children’s brains are developing rapidly and rely heavily on carbohydrates for energy. That preference for bread, crackers, or sweets is rooted in biology, not bad habits. Many of these foods also provide protein and other nutrients, and most children meet their nutritional needs in much smaller portions than parents expect. Picky eating is also a normal part of development. As toddlers and preschoolers grow, it’s common for food preferences to narrow as children assert independence. This phase doesn’t mean something is wrong and often eases with time, typically as kids get older. Variety matters, but it doesn’t need to look perfect. The goal isn’t forcing bites, rather, it’s creating opportunities to learn about food while protecting trust at meals. Helpful ways to support variety include: Offering familiar, safe foods at every meal Letting kids see and interact with other foods without pressure Modeling a variety of foods yourself Staying predictable and patient over time Kids learn about foods long before they eat them, and pressure often slows that process down. When meals feel safe, predictable, and pressure-free, variety has room to grow. Supporting your child’s pace today helps build a healthier relationship with food tomorrow. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

10. 

    9 Jan 2026

    The Clean Plate Club

    Many of us grew up with the clean plate club: being told to finish everything before leaving the table. Maybe you heard it at home, from grandparents, or in your community. It usually comes from a loving place: parents want nourished kids and don’t want food wasted. Some of this even traces back to real periods of food scarcity when finishing meals truly mattered. But today, we know more about feeding kids and how they actually learn to listen to their bodies. Requiring kids to finish what’s on their plate teaches them to ignore hunger and fullness cues. Instead of tuning into their bodies, they start eating to please adults or “perform” at the table. That can increase power struggles, worsen picky eating, and reduce willingness to try foods in the long run. Why the clean plate club isn’t helpful: Kids tune out internal hunger/fullness cues More pressure → less curiosity and less willingness to try foods Can backfire into power struggles Eating to “finish” replaces eating to feel satisfied Research shows pressure today affects food enjoyment into adolescence/adulthood What to do instead: Adults decide: what, when, and where meals happen Kids decide: whether and how much to eat Respect “I’m full,” even if it’s after three bites Offer small portions and allow seconds Always include one familiar/safe food at each meal Keep mealtimes as calm and low-pressure as possible Helpful mindset shifts Intake will fluctuate day to day and meal to meal — totally normal Look at nutrition across the whole week, not one dinner Portion sizes for kids are much smaller than most parents expect Curiosity thrives without pressure Try to keep in mind that a clean plate does not equal a well-nourished child. Our job is to provide structure, food, and support; their job is to listen to their bodies. When we move away from the clean plate club and toward helping our kids tune into their bodies and what they need, kids can learn to trust themselves, and that skill lasts far beyond the table. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

11. 

    2 Jan 2026

    What Restricting Food Really Teaches Kids

    If you find yourself hiding candy or not allowing cake in the house, you are not alone.  Many parents have a natural desire to limit their kids' access to foods that are less nutritious in order to help them discover and enjoy a greater variety of the foods they wish they would eat. The trouble is that restricting food may actually have the opposite effect.  Today, Jennifer and Heidi are talking about what actually happens when we restrict kids’ access to certain foods, why it often backfires even with the best intentions, and what we can do instead to raise kids who feel calm and confident around all kinds of foods. They discuss: Why restricting foods can actually make them MORE appealing How restriction undermines your child's ability to eat all foods in moderation How labelling foods "good" or "bad" doesn't cause kids to change their desires, but instead adds feelings of shame or guilt to their natural food preferences. How food restriction can add to power struggles Jennifer and Heidi also give clear suggestions about what to do instead of restricting foods that will help your child become less dependent upon you to control the foods and more in tune with their own body's cues. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.  Consult with your doctor before starting feeding therapy.** Still have questions? Reach out to share your thoughts or questions for future episodes! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

12. 

    19 Dec 2025

    Feeding Kids with Bribery, Tricks, and Rewards

    If you’ve ever begged, bargained, or sweetened the deal at the table, you are not alone!  It likely came from a genuine desire to help your child eat well but may not be accomplishing what you think. In this episode, we explore how some well-intentioned strategies can accidentally work against the very goals you’re trying to support. It’s everywhere in our culture: language such as “just one more bite,” “eat this and you can have that,” sneaking foods into sauces, or swapping foods without kids knowing. While these strategies can feel harmless (and sometimes work in the moment), they can quietly chip away at something really important: trust. Kids do best with food when mealtimes feel predictable, safe, and supportive. When a child expects one thing and gets another, or realizes they were “tricked,” it can make them more cautious, suspicious, and less willing to explore new foods over time. We also dig into “hidden foods” and sneaking ingredients. Cooking with vegetables is great, but doing it with the goal of hiding foods from your child is different. When kids only experience certain foods blended, masked, or disguised, they miss the chance to learn about those foods on their own terms. And if they discover something was hidden that they didn’t like, it can feel unsettling and undermine trust. It’s helpful to check in with yourself: am I cooking this way because it aligns with my values and tastes, or because I’m trying to get something into my child without them knowing? The goal here is to give kids a solid, honest foundation so they can explore food with curiosity instead of pressure. We also talk about bribery, rewards, and praise and how they often work in the short term but can backfire in the long run. When kids are asked to eat “in order to” get something else, their attention shifts away from the food itself and toward the reward. Over time, this can lower their interest in the food and increase focus on the prize. It can also drown out a child’s ability to listen to their own body cues, which is a skill we want to protect and strengthen in childhood, and into the future. Eating a specific food is not an emergency. Kids don’t need broccoli (for example) in the same way they need medicine or safety, and taking the urgency out of mealtime helps support self-regulation and bodily autonomy. Finally, we unpack praise. Praise isn’t bad! It can become pressure if it’s manipulative, over-the-top, or tied to amounts eaten or foods “achieved.” Kids are incredibly perceptive and can sense when praise has an agenda. Instead, praise tends to be most helpful when it’s sincere, specific, brief, and focused on effort rather than outcome, just like with other skills kids learn. When we rely too heavily on external motivators, we risk crowding out a child’s internal motivation and the positive experiences around food we’re trying to build. While these shifts may make feeding experiences and expansion feel slower, we're preserving the idea that it’s about raising eaters for life! ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.  Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

13. 

    12 Dec 2025

    Feeding Kids and Navigating the Holidays

    Welcome to Love, Eat, Thrive: The podcast designed to help parents nurture confident eaters today and raise healthy eaters for tomorrow. We are Heidi and Jennifer, feeding therapists who’ve been in the field for a few decades. We’ve seen it ALL when it comes to kids and food, and we’re here to help you make sense of it. As the winter holidays approach, many parents and caregivers feel the mix of excitement and stress that comes with packed schedules, disrupted routines, and a season full of special foods. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but stepping back and zooming out can help bring the focus back to connection, enjoyment, and shared experiences. We're here to remind you that, during the holiday season especially, kids don’t need perfect meals or ideal nutrition. Instead, they need presence, flexibility, and support. Prioritizing the bigger picture makes space to enjoy what truly matters. Holiday mealtimes come with unique challenges, especially when sweets and treats are more abundant. Restriction often backfires by increasing a child’s desire for certain foods, but also by interfering with their ability to tune into and pay attention to their own body.  Children learn through experience, including moments when they may eat “too much” and feel the natural consequences. Those consequences are an important part of developing internal cues. On the flip side, pressure to try or finish foods can sometimes work, but more often leads to greater pushback and dislike of those foods, sometimes in a very vocal way. The foods themselves are just one piece of the puzzle. Kids also pick up a lot from the atmosphere around them. Talking about diets, body size, or “good” and “bad” foods can make meals feel stressful or confusing for kids who are just learning about food and their bodies. Helping shield them from that by setting gentle limits with family, steering the conversation elsewhere, or chatting together afterward, goes a long way in building a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. During the holidays, a little planning can make everything feel calmer: making sure there’s at least one food your child feels safe eating, thinking ahead about travel and timing, grabbing small moments of one-on-one connection, and remembering to take care of yourself, too.  In the end, it’s not about how much or what your child eats. It’s about everyone feeling supported, connected, and able to breathe a little. You’ve got this! Happy holidays, from our table to yours! ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

14. 

    12 Dec 2025

    When Kids Don't Eat What You Serve

    Welcome to Love, Eat, Thrive: The podcast about Responsive Feeding. We are Heidi and Jennifer, feeding therapists who’ve been in the field for a few decades. We’ve seen it ALL and we’re here to help you make sense of it. In this episode, we're sharing some ideas about what helps kids eat well over time: consistent, calm mealtime experiences built on trust, not pressure. Variety and adventurous eating don’t happen in a single meal. They grow slowly through predictable routines, shared food experiences, and plenty of low-pressure opportunities to explore. Whether it’s deconstructing meals, keeping portions manageable, or talking about something other than food, small adjustments can make mealtimes feel safer and more comfortable for your child. Even if your child can see you enjoying a variety of your own food and offering a reasonable selection across the week, you’re off to a strong start! When your child refuses to eat what you’ve lovingly prepared, it can feel confusing, frustrating, and discouraging. This is such a universal challenge, yet many parents are left without guidance about what to do in the moment. Refusal can spark power struggles. Do you hold firm, offer something else, or wait it out? Responsive feeding begins by understanding why kids say “no.” Young children are actually wired to assert independence, and mealtimes are one of the few places where they can genuinely express it. Layer in emerging preferences, sensory needs, changing schedules, and prior experiences, and it becomes clear that refusal isn’t just normal, but is expected and often developmentally imperative. A child’s “no” is information, not a failure. When that “no” is accepted within reasonable boundaries, children learn that mealtimes are predictable, safe, and can be free of pressure, which are conditions that allow them to eventually say “yes.” Everything from temperament to timing to environment affects how ready they feel each day, and those factors change as children grow. It's important that YOU, the parents, become curious detectives and consider who your child is, what influences their eating, and how to create a setting that supports comfort, connection, and long-term success at the table. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

15. 

    12 Dec 2025

    The Way We Feed Our Kids Matters

    Welcome to Love, Eat, Thrive: The podcast designed to help parents nurture confident eaters today and raise healthy eaters for tomorrow. We are Heidi and Jennifer, feeding therapists who’ve been in the field for a few decades. We’ve seen it ALL when it comes to kids and food, and we’re here to help you make sense of it. In this initial episode, we will begin to explore why the way we feed our kids matters just as much as what we feed them. Parents today are bombarded by nutrition advice, conflicting information, and pressure to get everything “just right.”  While food choices are important, many of the strongest predictors of a child’s long-term health have little to do with vitamins, macros, or perfectly timed food introductions. Instead, they come from the quality of a child’s interactions with food and with those who are feeding them. We're zooming out and looking at the big picture: What actually supports lifelong well-being?  Kids thrive when they feel comfortable, connected, and confident at the table. When they trust their caregivers, feel safe to explore, and get to experience the “I can do this!” moments of managing food on their own, they build the foundation for healthy eating and self-regulation. These experiences can easily get lost when mealtimes become about pressure, perfection, or power struggles rather than relationship and skill-building. Feeding and eating with children relies upon creating routines and environments that balance structure with independence in a way that allows children to tap into their own internal cues for eating and develop competence and confidence with food.  This is often called Responsive Feeding and is backed by decades of research and recommended by many national and international health organizations.  However, even though Responsive Feeding research is done for and about kids and families, the message itself is often overlooked or diluted when it comes time to share it with parents who are in the thick of it, helping kids learn to eat.  Our goal is to help fill that gap, offering ideas for getting started, tools for connection and tips for repair along the way. Come along with us as we explore what feeding kids is really about: building connection, confidence, and fostering a lifelong love of eating, one meal at a time. Come along with us as we explore what feeding kids is really about: building connection, confidence, and trust at the table for today, tomorrow, and years to come. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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Guest appearances

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