All, Feeding Development, Picky Eating Argie Pitsakis All, Feeding Development, Picky Eating Argie Pitsakis

Does Your Picky Eater Really Need Feeding Therapy?

Many parents feel lost when it comes to their child's picky eating—wondering if feeding therapy is the only solution. But what if there was a way to understand the why behind your child's eating behaviors and create a supportive environment at home without relying on therapy?

In this blog, I dive into the real reasons behind picky eating—from genetics and sensory sensitivities to developmental phases—and introduce my Feeding Foundations Session. This 1.5-hour personalized deep dive helps parents gain the tools they need to empower their child for a lifetime of feeding success—without feeling stuck in an endless cycle of therapy.

If you’re ready to take control of mealtimes and help your child thrive, this is for you!

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All, Feeding Development Argie Pitsakis All, Feeding Development Argie Pitsakis

The Best Teething & Self-Feeding Tools for Babies Starting Solids (Expert Picks!)

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but did you know teething tools play a key role in feeding development? Beyond soothing sore gums, they help strengthen oral muscles, improve chewing skills, and support self-feeding. In this blog, we’ll share the best teething and feeding tools to make the transition to solids smoother and more enjoyable for your baby. Let’s get started!

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All, Feeding Development, Picky Eating Argie Pitsakis All, Feeding Development, Picky Eating Argie Pitsakis

Innate vs. Learned Feeding: Understanding Your Child’s Eating Habits

This blog delves into the fascinating world of how babies develop their eating habits, balancing innate instincts and learned behaviors. From their natural preference for sweet flavors to the instinctual aversion to bitter foods, babies come into the world with built-in tendencies that help ensure their survival. As they grow, their food preferences are shaped by repeated exposure, family influences, and the emotional connections they form with food. We also explore the role of epigenetics and how experiences can modify taste preferences, as well as the challenge of food neophobia—fear of new foods—which is common in toddlers. By understanding these processes, parents can support their child’s eating journey and foster healthy, stress-free mealtimes.

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Redefining Feeding Success

Feeding success goes beyond getting your child to try new foods—it’s about fostering lifelong confidence, connection, and joy at the table. This blog shifts the focus from short-term wins to creating a supportive mealtime environment where your child feels safe to explore food at their own pace.

Discover practical strategies like the Division of Responsibility (DOR), reducing pressure, and making mealtimes about connection rather than food. By addressing stress and fostering trust, you can raise a confident eater who enjoys a variety of foods and builds a lasting, positive relationship with eating and family.

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Understanding Sensory Processing: Its Role in Picky Eating and Feeding Behaviors

In this blog, we will explore the intricate relationship between sensory processing and how sensory experiences shape a child's willingness to try new foods. We’ll discuss what sensory processing is, the common signs of sensory challenges during feeding, and how these difficulties can manifest in a child’s eating habits. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for parents to support their children in expanding their food repertoire while considering their unique sensory profiles.

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Messes That Matter: The Role of Sensory Processing at the Table and Beyond

Eating is a sensory experience that can overwhelm young children. In this blog, we explore how sensory processing impacts eating behaviors and highlight the benefits of messy eating. By encouraging children to touch and play with their food, we can enhance fine motor skills, boost confidence, and promote acceptance of new tastes and textures. Join us to discover how messy play fosters resilience, curiosity, and emotional regulation. Plus, stay tuned for a freebie at the end, featuring fun activities to support your child’s sensory exploration during mealtimes!

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Prevent Feeding Issues for Your Baby By Supporting Homeostasis

Are you struggling to manage your child’s feeding difficulties? You’re not alone—nearly 50% of parents report feeding-related issues with their children. This blog post clarifies the difference between feeding difficulties and feeding disorders, unpacks the main causes of feeding disorders, and highlights the importance of collaborating with healthcare providers for effective intervention.

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Natural Face Workouts & the Role of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

In today's blog, we're diving into the topic of natural facial workouts and the role of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT). Have you ever wondered if we need to hit the gym to work out our faces? While it may sound like a silly question, the truth is, our facial muscles undergo a natural workout through everyday activities like chewing, swallowing, and breathing. But why are these natural workouts essential, and what happens when they don't occur? Let's explore.

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Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Development

In today's blog post, we underscore the vital significance of a diverse, nutritious diet for a child's development. We delve into the impact of nutrition on cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Research findings on nutrition's positive and negative effects across various developmental domains, including academics, mood, behavior, and language skills, are presented.

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All, Picky Eating, Feeding Development Argie Pitsakis All, Picky Eating, Feeding Development Argie Pitsakis

Foods Jags: What Are They and How to Prevent Them

In today’s blog post, we explore the concept of "food jags,” which occur when children become fixated on specific foods for an extended period, leaving parents puzzled. We discuss the the role of dopamine in food preferences and why children may suddenly reject once-loved items and provide strategies to prevent and address food jags, emphasizing the importance of fostering a diverse and nourishing diet for children.

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All, Picky Eating, Feeding Development Argie Pitsakis All, Picky Eating, Feeding Development Argie Pitsakis

7 Factors That Shape Children’s Food Preferences

In today's blog post, we delve into the intricate web of factors that impact a child's food preferences, discussing seven key influences that parents and caregivers should be aware of. Understanding these key influences is essential for parents and caregivers seeking to guide their young ones towards a positive and wholesome relationship with food.

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