What You'll Walk Away With
A clear explanation of why some children eat the way they do, including how sensory processing, anxiety, and neurodevelopment shape food behavior in ways that have nothing to do with pickiness or bad habits
A new way to talk about selective eating that reduces family blame and opens the door to real support
Practical, concrete language shifts you can use in the classroom, at mealtimes, and in conversations with families, starting the next day
Confidence to recognize when a child's eating challenges go beyond what typical guidance can address, and what to do next
Meet the speaker
Natalia Stasenko
Registered Pediatric Dietitian | Founder Easy Bites
Natalia specializes in responsive feeding, picky eating, and feeding children with sensory differences and neurodivergence. She is a Georgetown Thrive Center Innovation Fellow and her work is grounded in the latest feeding research, and her experience working with families and early childhood programs.
A Deep Dive into Understanding Kids' Mealtime Challenges
You know the child. The one who gags at the sight of certain foods. Who eats the same four things, every single day, without exception. Who shuts down completely at the table, or melts down before the meal even starts. You've tried encouragement. You've tried food play. You've tried everything the handouts suggest. It didn't work because those strategies weren't built for this child. Many of the kids educators find hardest to feed are wired differently. They may be autistic, sensory-sensitive, anxious, or still undiagnosed, but their relationship with food is real, it's complex, and it requires a different kind of understanding.
This webinar is about understanding. For early childhood educators, Head Start and Early Head Start staff, program directors, family support workers, and anyone who eats lunch with kids and wonders why on earth won't they just try it.
No nutrition background required.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Explain how sensory differences and neurodevelopment affect children's eating behavior and why reframing "picky eating" changes everything about how we respond to it
Identify at least three common mealtime practices that unintentionally increase stress for sensitive eaters, including verbal, environmental, and food-focused pressure. Use practical, low-pressure language and strategies when supporting children with significant eating challenges in classrooms, at program mealtimes, and in family conversations.
Recognize the range of factors that shape a child's relationship with food (sensory, temperament, anxiety, developmental history) and know when to refer families for additional support.
Certificate of participation provided.
Unlock the Door to Effective Support
Join our webinar to gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and confidence in addressing mealtime challenges. Register now to make a positive change in your approach!
$20.00