45. The One About Feeding Kids Without Fear, Pressure or Perfection (with Dr Kyla)

What this episode covers

In this incredibly insightful and reassuring episode of the Mindful Educator Podcast, I'm joined by Perth-based paediatric dietitian Dr Kyla Smith [https://mealtimes.com.au/experts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to chat all things kids, food, mealtimes, body image, fussy eating, and the pressure parents are carrying around "getting it right." If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, stressed about your child's eating habits, or worried about passing on your own food or body image struggles to your children - this episode is for you. Dr Kyla brings such a calm, practical and compassionate approach to feeding kids, helping parents move away from fear, guilt and control… and back towards connection, trust and confidence. Together, we unpack: * Why so many children experience fussy eating (and why it's often more complex than people realise) * The difference between supporting children and trying to control them * How pressure around food can actually make things harder * Why family mealtimes matter - beyond just nutrition * How sensory issues, reflux, enlarged tonsils, temperament and other factors can impact eating * What parents can do when older children and teens struggle with food * How diet culture and body image messaging affect our kids * The subtle ways adults accidentally pass food fears and body shame onto children * Why neutrality around food and bodies is so important * The importance of modelling over lecturing * What to look out for when children begin displaying disordered eating behaviours * Why parents need support too - and why doing "less" can sometimes be the most powerful thing One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? You do not need to parent perfectly. As Dr Kyla beautifully reminds us: "Your child's body is not a problem to fix." This episode is packed with practical reassurance, evidence-based advice, and so much compassion for modern parents navigating an incredibly noisy world of information. Connect with Dr Kyla You can find Dr Kyla and explore her incredible resources, memberships and support for families here: 🌐 https://mealtimes.com.au/ [https://mealtimes.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and the membership - https://mealtimes.com.au/mealtimes-membership/ 📱 Instagram – @mealtimeswithkyla For schools/school parents - www.mealtimes.com.au/schools [http://www.mealtimes.com.au/schools] Connect with Victoria 🌐 www.victoria-r.com.au 📱 Instagram – @the.victoria.r [https://www.instagram.com/the.victoria.r/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📧 [email protected] Whether you're navigating toddler mealtimes, school lunchboxes, teen body image concerns, or simply trying to make dinner less stressful - this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, empowered, and far less alone.