WIll My Picky Eater Starve?

In this episode, Christine Miroddi Yoder addresses the concern many parents have about whether their picky eater will starve if they refuse to eat. She explains that while children who eat a limited variety of foods may not starve, they can become nutritionally deficient, which can lead to various health issues. True starvation concerns usually arise when a child refuses all foods, often due to fear or anxiety related to a traumatic event like choking. Christine emphasizes that if a child hasn't eaten or drunk anything for 24 hours, it's crucial to contact a pediatrician. For fearful eaters, addressing anxiety and the four pillars of feeding—sensory system, oral motor skills, and mindset—is essential to help them build a positive relationship with food.