Does Summer Make Picky Eating Worse?
Podcast Episode Air Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Christine Miroddi Yoder, Pediatric Feeding Therapist
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Hi, I’m Christine — pediatric feeding expert and creator of the Unlocking Mealtimes program. Today, we’re digging into an important seasonal question:
Does summer make picky eating worse?
The answer? It depends. Summer brings both opportunities and challenges — especially for kids with feeding issues.
In this episode, I’ll break down:
* Why summer can trigger regressions
* How to navigate camp and BBQs
* And 5 tips to survive summer without sacrificing your child’s feeding progress
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How Summer Can Disrupt Feeding
Summer means:
* Less structure
* More sugar
* More outdoor time
* Sensory overload (noises, smells, heat)
* Grazing and missed meals
* Constant changes: camp, travel, playdates
Kids with feeding issues often struggle with transitions. Routine = safety, and when that disappears, food refusal often ramps up.
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Camp Survival Tips for Picky Eaters
Camp can be amazing… or overwhelming. Here’s how to help it go smoothly:
1. Communicate with staff about your child’s feeding needs
2. Pack backup foods if allowed — always send safe options
3. Know the camp policy — some won’t allow outside food
4. Assess fit — a strict camp with rigid food policies may not be appropriate for fearful eaters
5. Prep ahead with social stories, role playing, and routines
Not sure if your child is Fearful, Stuck, or Curious?
Take the free quiz at thepickyeataters.com to find out and get custom recommendations.
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Christine’s 5 Summer Survival Tips for Picky Eaters
✅ Tip 1: Pack Familiar + Challenge Foods
When heading out (camp, BBQ, beach), always start with safe, trusted foods to build comfort. Then pair them with a low-pressure challenge food.
Example:
If your child loves dried strawberries, bring fresh strawberries alongside them.
Outside the home, kids may actually be more flexible than you expect.
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✅ Tip 2: Create a Travel Snack Kit
Make it balanced:
* Include protein to prevent sugar crashes
* Add hydrating foods like watermelon, frozen grapes, or yogurt pouches
* Cool items can help regulate overheated, overwhelmed bodies
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✅ Tip 3: Prepare for BBQs with a Plan
Barbecues are full of sensory overwhelm. Plan ahead:
* Feed your child before you go
* Bring safe foods with you
* Expect and plan for social comments — it’s okay to set boundaries!
"We’ve got this — we’re working on it."
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✅ Tip 4: Avoid the Sugar Spiral
Don’t start the day with sugar — it’ll set them up for a crash.
Instead:
* Prioritize protein early in the day
* Treats should be used intentionally — not as bribes or rewards
* Frame treats as part of balanced eating: "We have protein first, then we can enjoy a sweet."
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✅ Tip 5: Anchor One Meal Every Day
Choose one daily meal to keep consistent — like:
* Breakfast at home
* Evening smoothie
* Familiar snack before bed
This anchors their day and helps them reset amidst the chaos of summer.
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Why Summer Is the Best Time to Tackle Feeding Issues
Summer is full of natural transitions. That makes it a perfect time to:
* Lay a foundation before school starts
* Reset mealtime routines
* Ease into changes with fewer school-year pressures
If you’ve been putting off addressing your child’s picky eating, now’s the time.
Inside Unlocking Mealtimes, we guide you step-by-step based on your child’s unique level. It’s not a quick fix, but starting now means you’ll walk into the school year more confident and more prepared.
