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Why are so many kids picky eaters, and what can parents do about it? Should you make a separate meal when your child refuses dinner? Is it okay for a child to go to bed hungry? And how can we make family meals less stressful?
In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by Dr. William G. Wilkoff, MD, a pediatrician who practiced for decades in Maine and has spent much of his career helping parents navigate everyday challenges of raising children. He is the author of Coping with a Picky Eater: A Guide for the Perplexed Parent, a practical guide to managing picky eating and reducing mealtime battles.
We discuss why children become picky eaters, how parents can encourage children to try different foods without turning meals into a struggle, and why a parent’s job is to provide food rather than pressure a child to eat it. We also talk about second dinners, desserts, family meals, screens at the table, and when picky eating may deserve closer attention.
One of Dr. Wilkoff’s central messages is that the goal isn’t to force children to eat. It’s to offer food in a pleasant environment, set reasonable expectations, and take the conflict out of mealtimes.
If feeding your child has become a daily source of stress, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on how to approach picky eating with more patience and less pressure.
About Dr. Wilkoff’s book: Coping with a Picky Eater: A Guide for the Perplexed Parent by William G. Wilkoff, MD.
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Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.
