Picky Eaters and Family Stress

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Having a picky eater in the family can be super stressful for all involved: the picky eater themselves, the parents, the siblings – everyone.  No one enjoys having mealtime conversation include nothing but:

Please, just one more bite!

I worked hard making this… you better $%**@ eat it!

You’re never going to grow if you keep eating like that!

Luckily, there are lots of strategies for making mealtimes more pleasant and healthy (physically and psychologically!) for all involved.  I was recently interviewed for an article on reducing stress around mealtimes by my favorite speech pathologist and feeding specialist, Melanie Potock.  The article appeared on the ASHA Leader Blog a couple weeks ago.  Check out the full article here:

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Can Casseroles = Happiness?

I attended a potluck dinner a few weeks ago.  After looking around at the many and varied casseroles in attendance, a friend of mine said: “I don’t eat them very much, but it’s true: Casseroles = Happiness.”

I laughed and thought this was cute.  Then I thought about it more, and decided that perhaps a good casserole CAN really contribute to mental health.  How, you ask?

  • While not good for the waistline, the cheesy, goopy goodness just feels good in the mouth and the belly. Yum.
  • They can provide a complete, easy meal for a family or group with minimal muss or fuss.  They are the perfect food for a busy family, couple, or single person. Ease, organization, and tastiness surely contribute to mental health in a positive way.

 

  • Kids like cream of mushroom soup.  While a little strange and unhealthy, this popular casserole ingredient insures that even the pickiest of picky eaters enjoy the meal.
  •  Perhaps the way casseroles can make the most impact is when they are shared.  A new baby, an illness, a move, a job loss – all are occasions for casserole-giving.  Who knew such a small gesture could create such comfort and joy?

Looking for some good casserole recipes?  Check out some of my favorite food sites:

Produce for Kids

Six Sisters’ Stuff

Weekly Bite