The Secret to Fast Progress
Aired January 20, 2025
Christine Miroddi Yoder:
Hi, and welcome back to another episode of How to Unpicky Your Picky Eater. I’m your host, Christine.
Today, we’re continuing our theme of the month: how to make progress with your child—and more importantly, how to make progress fast. After working with so many families this past year, I’ve learned what truly helps kids succeed quickly in feeding therapy. And here’s the surprising part: it’s not about how severe the feeding issue is. The real “secret sauce” is parent coaching and how consistently parents are involved at home.
________________
Why Faster Progress Matters
Some people assume I want clients to stay forever. But my favorite families are the ones who don’t stick around long—because that means they made progress quickly. When parents see real results in a short time, they’re excited to tell their friends and family. That’s a much better outcome than families dragging through therapy for years without change.
So my goal isn’t long-term dependency—it’s fast, meaningful progress.
________________
What I Used to Believe vs. What I Know Now
I used to think progress depended mostly on:
* How severe a child’s feeding issues were
* How long the problem had existed
That seemed logical—kids with bigger challenges would need longer, right?
But this past year proved me wrong. I’ve seen children with feeding tubes and complex medical needs make faster progress than kids with “mild” picky eating—because their parents were fully engaged in learning, applying strategies, and practicing consistently.
The difference wasn’t the child’s severity. It was how involved the parents were.
________________
The Role of Parent Coaching
Parent coaching changes everything. It’s not just about giving you a list of strategies. It’s about:
* Helping you shift your mindset—about food, about your child, about progress
* Giving you bite-sized, realistic steps you can actually fit into daily life
* Supporting you in making changes consistently, not just when you have time
When parents learn the “why” behind strategies, they’re more confident, more consistent, and kids see results much faster.
________________
Why Some Families See Faster Results
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
* Families who carve out even 5 minutes a day to learn and apply strategies see progress in about 4 months.
* Families who don’t use the parent coaching tools, even if they attend therapy sessions, often see little to no change—sometimes for years.
It’s a lot like New Year’s resolutions. In January, everyone’s motivated. By February, the gym is empty again. The families who stick with it, who build small steps into their daily routine, are the ones who see change.
________________
Tips for Staying Consistent
1. Start small. Even two to five minutes a day adds up quickly.
2. Build it into a routine. Tie learning or practice to something you already do—after school, before dinner, bedtime wind-down.
3. Use different formats. Watch, listen, or read. We make lessons short and easy to access, so you can fit them into your life.
4. Balance involvement. Yes, it’s tempting to step out and let the therapist “handle it,” especially when you’re tired. But even joining in for part of the session accelerates progress.
________________
The Ripple Effect
One of the most powerful parts of parent coaching is that the strategies spill over into other areas of parenting. It’s not just about feeding—it’s about improving your overall connection with your child. Parents often tell me they notice improvements in behavior, routines, and relationships at home, not just mealtimes.
________________
Final Thoughts
The real secret to fast progress isn’t how severe your child’s challenges are. It’s about parent involvement, consistency, and coaching.
I say this with compassion because I’ve been on both sides—I’ve been the therapist encouraging parents to join in, and I’ve been the parent who wanted to step out for a break. I get it. But I also know from experience: progress is faster when you’re engaged.
So, think about where you might add just a few minutes a day. Stay consistent. And remember—fast progress is possible.
We’ll see you next week. Have a wonderful week!
