Cleaned Transcript: How to Move from “I Can’t” to “How Can I?”
Episode Date: July 14, 2025
Christine Miroddi Yoder, Pediatric Feeding Therapist
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Have you ever said to yourself:
“I can’t afford this program.”
“I can’t get my insurance to cover this therapy.”
“I can’t find time to sit down for meals with my family.”
“I just can’t do one more thing.”
I get it. Life is overwhelming. Parenting is overwhelming. And feeding therapy? It’s not just one more thing — it’s a lot of things. That’s why many parents shut down when it comes to tackling it.
But here’s the truth:
Saying “I can’t” shuts the door. Switching to “How can I?” opens it.
Today we’re talking about one of the most important mindset shifts I see in families who finally make progress with feeding. It’s not always a strategy. It’s usually a question:
How can I?
When you say “I can’t,” your brain stops looking for solutions. It starts finding evidence to support that belief — that you’re stuck and there’s no way out. But when you say “How can I?”, your brain starts working for you. It becomes curious and starts solving problems.
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Example: “I Can’t Afford This”
We hear this all the time — and I get it. Feeding therapy can feel like a big investment.
But then sometimes, in the same conversation, families will mention they’re heading to Disney.
Now look, this is not about guilt or shame. But we do have to pause and ask: If you’re spending thousands on a vacation, could some of that money be used to address something that causes daily stress and impacts your child’s health?
Feeding therapy isn’t a luxury.
Your child eats multiple times a day, every day, for the rest of their life. That deserves to be a top priority — even over sports, vacations, or another activity.
This isn’t about whether you can afford my program — it’s about whether you’re willing to get your child help, somewhere, from someone who understands what they need.
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Feeding Affects Everything
Feeding isn’t just about nutrition.
It affects confidence. Connection. Sleep. Energy. Health. Learning. Independence.
If something I said stirs something inside you — that’s okay. Maybe it’s a sign you’re being called to do something differently.
Ask: What is my priority here?
What’s most important right now?
When you reframe from “I can’t” to “How can I?” you open up creative solutions.
You might be able to do both — the support and the trip — if you shift your thinking.
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“I Can’t Get Insurance to Cover This”
Another common one. But what if we ask:
* How can I get this reimbursed?
* Can I use the right codes?
* Have I submitted the right paperwork?
* Have I appealed correctly?
Most people haven’t tried everything yet. Or they need support. And the truth is — people do get feeding therapy covered. Often it’s because they didn’t stop at “I can’t.”
In our programs, we give you a full toolkit to help navigate this, even if you're out of network — including how to request a gap exception and use medical necessity language.
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“I Don’t Have Time for This”
I get it. You’re busy. But what’s the cost of not making time?
How much time are you spending:
* Arguing about meals?
* Shopping for food your child won’t eat?
* Cleaning up the meltdowns?
This doesn’t need to take hours a day. But it does require intention.
Ask:
* How can I make space?
* Can I drop something less important?
* Can someone else help?
* Can we sit down for just one meal together?
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Why This Shift Works
The moment you start asking “How can I?”, your brain moves forward.
Feeding becomes something you’re working toward — not something you’re drowning in.
You become a problem solver. Not a prisoner.
Feeding deserves your energy, your investment, and your time — because food is not just food. It’s health, confidence, and freedom.
Next time you hear yourself say, “I can’t,” pause.
Take a breath and ask:
“How can I make this happen?”
I use this mindset shift with my own son, and I’ve watched it transform families’ progress in feeding therapy.
Try it.
Your whole life can change.
And if you’re ready to take the next step, take the quiz at ThePickyEaters.com to find out your child’s feeding level and what support is right for you.
