Picky Eater Help

Expert Feeding Help
for Professionals and Parents

Melanie Potock’s keynotes, courses, books & articles focus on raising kids to be healthy, happy eaters. From babies to toddlers to teens, “Coach Mel” is here to help.

Raising a Healthy Happy Eater Isn’t Always Easy

Get Expert Advice on Feeding Babies, Toddlers & School Age Kids,

Including Extreme Picky Eaters

Upcoming Events & Courses

Babies

This book is designed to answer the most common questions about feeding babies and toddlers up to age three. It also debunks myths while offering practical tips on making mealtimes joyful and less stressful. It teaches a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to responsive feeding that’s focused on nurturing trust and communication between parent and child. Read more about Responsive Feeding here.

Toddlers & Preschoolers

In her award-winning book, Raising a Healthy Happy Eater, Melanie and her co-author, pediatrician Dr. Yum, teach parents how to guide their children on the path to adventurous eating.  Parents report that toddlers are the most challenging to feed, thanks to active little bodies and fleeting attention spans.  Learn how to lay positive foundations for eating at 6 months of age, navigate the “terrific twos” and avoid picky eating in the preschool years!  Get the brand new, updated 2nd edition. Read more about feeding young children here.

School Age

Kids can cook right along with their parents from an early age, but it’s especially important from preschool and into the elementary school years.  What’s the number one food group that parents struggle with the most?  Vegetables!  The secret to helping kids love any kind of food is to follow Melanie’s Three E’s: Expose, Explore, Expand.  You’ll learn how to use the Three E’s and create veggie-love in Melanie’s book, Adventures in Veggieland: Help Your Kids Learn to Love Vegetables with 100 Easy Activities and Recipes.  Read more about feeding school-age kids here.

More fun!

As a speech language pathologist, Melanie combined her love for language, little kids and food by writing a children’s book!  You are Not an Otter: The Story of How Kids Become Adventurous Eaters is available on Kindle, in paperback, and in both English and Spanish.  Don’t miss the parent tips in the back of the book!  Learn about all of Mel’s books here.


Picky Eaters (or any kid!) go from FUN to YUM when veggies start with food play! In Adventures in Veggieland, I’ll take you on a veggie adventure with 100 activities and recipes, like a tomato squirting contest! 🍅Get out that measuring tape and get ready for GIGGLES!🤭 

👉🏼BTW, COMMENT VEGGIES for a direct link to pre-order pricing and you’ll have this new paperback version of this popular book in just a few weeks! Releases March 4th, 2025…

🍅WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
 ✨5 cherry tomatoes per person (for kids over age 3)
✨2 or 3 sheets of white paper, taped to end to end on the short side, per person
✨Measuring stick/tape
✨Napkins 

🍅WHAT TO DO:
✨PARENTS: Have each player sits at the table with the long paper sticking out in front of them (see photo in reel); the short side should be aligned with the table’s edge, beneath the player’s chin. You can tie a napkin around each player’s neck to protect clothing, if you want, but I like kids to get messy, so I always skip that part!

✨PARENTS AND KIDS: Each player picks up a tomato, bites into it one time, and measures how far they squirted it onto the paper. Whoever squirts the farthest, wins!

🥰🍅🥰WHY THIS HELPS PICKY EATERS: There’s no pressure to eat it. Yet, they had fun putting a tomato in their teeth and exploring it with all of their senses! And the time with you, laughing and giggling, creates positive associations with tomatoes…which by the way, are a FRUIT, not a veggie.

👏🏼Here’s to going from FUN TO YUM!

🫶🏼Melanie

Photo credit: Eric Harvey Brown

#melaniepotock #adventuresinveggieland #pickyeaters #feedingtherapy #feedinglittles #arfidawareness #veggierecipes #veggielove


🤔Have you heard that kids shouldn’t have distractions while eating? Not all distractions are a bad thing… let’s break it down.👇🏼

🫶🏼Hi, I’m Melanie, kids’ feeding specialist and certified speech pathologist specializing in helping YOU raise healthy, happy eaters at any age!

📺The number of kids that come to my practice dependent on distractions like iPads/screens to help them eat is astounding. Still, I get it. When you’re worried about your child’s nutritional health, you’ll do what it takes to feed them. So, when is distraction a “good thing” vs a “bad thing”?

🚜Distraction comes in all forms. The little guy in this video is enjoying watching the bulldozers and construction outside, while eating lunch. But, his mom is engaging with him, talking about the “diggers” and making mealtimes interactive. That’s key for both language development AND feeding development. 

📖Research shows that kids who frequently eat in front of screens have poor appetite regulation PLUS screentime leads to increased behavior dysregulation and poor language and cognitive outcomes. 

📺So, the very occasional “dinner in front of a video” for kids over age two is fine, especially if your family can watch together, pause the video occasionally, and interact with each other talking about what they are viewing.

✨BUT, when kids require a screen to eat and become upset when they can’t have a screen that’s more than distraction. That’s dependency. 

👉🏼To learn more about raising a healthy happy eater and avoiding the picky eater trap (or tips to get out of that trap!) comment VIDEO for a discount code and my course library.

🥰Thanks for following me – and for sharing this post!
🤍Melanie

#melaniepotock #slpfeeding #feedingtherapy #ashaigers #responsivefeeding #autismparent

https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/55/10/688 with more studies in their resource list


👶🏻When baby starts solids, that’s the time to teach the word “chew”. 
 
🫶🏼Hi, I’m Melanie, pediatric feeding specialist here to help you with learn about feeding babies, toddlers & so much more! Also - I can’t spell exaggerate. Did you catch that in this reel?🤦🏼‍♀️

✨As a speech language pathologist, I can share with you that kids understand more words than they can say. 

✨While seated across from baby, exaggerate your chewing (open mouth, big chews!) and say “chew, chew” slowly. 

✨First, they’ll learn what the word chew means, when YOU do it.

✨Later, they’ll learn how to imitate the up-and-down movement of your mouth. Babies start with a munching pattern (up-and-down pattern) anyway, and we don’t expect a more circular chew at first. So munch, up and down, and say “chew, chew, chew” as you do!

✨Not every food requires this modeling, but when you begin to offer small meltable crackers or meltable O’s or Puffs (or freeze-dried fruits that start crunchy and melt quickly, as seen in this video) then you’ll be glad you introduced the concept early. 

❓Questions? Need more tips? Drop them in the comments!

📌Save this post – or share – or both! I hope you and your friends find it helpful!

🥰Melanie
#melaniepotock #slpfeeding #feedingtherapy #ashaigers #feedingtherapy #feedinglittles #responsivefeeding #startingsolids


“I’m going to do it with the cheese.” 🧀 🤭Preventing picky eating starts early, and it always starts with fun.🤍 

I had no idea I was being recorded…but now seeing that little grin and him reaching for the cheese…it’s a reminder that mealtimes are one of my favorite times to connect with kids.🤍

Drop a 🤍 if you feel the same way.

🥰Melanie
#melaniepotock #slpfeeding #feedingtherapy #pickyeaters #feedinglittles #responsivefeeding


#Sponsored_by_Compleat 💙 When your child is making the transition to tube feedings, it may feel overwhelming.  Yet, parents tell me it’s also a time to celebrate, because they can now rest assured that their little one will get the nutrition they need as they continue to progress with their feeding skills at their own pace. @Compleat has tools and resources to help support you along the way so that you are not alone in this journey. Compleat® is proud to support the tube feeding community by providing: 
- Blogs 
- Blenderized Recipe Builder 
- Compleat Formula Finder 
- Real Stories that you can relate to, and 
- Free Formula Samples 

Visit compleat.com for all the resources above and ask your medical professional which formula would be right for your child. 🥰 

💙🦓💙 Melanie 

#MelaniePotock #Compleat #CompleatCrew #TubeFeeding


Easy-to-make, toddler-friendly breakfast bars – often a hit with picky eaters – give them a try!

✨Heads up - you’re going to want to share this recipe with friends…

Ingredients:
🤍3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats, measured then very lightly ground in the blender (I love @bobsredmill in my @blendtec !) 
🤍2 cups buttermilk 
🤍2 eggs, lightly beaten
🤍¼ cup melted (then measured) coconut oil
🤍1/3 cup room temp maple syrup
🤍1 tsp baking soda
🤍Dash salt 
🤍3-inch chunk of banana, then mashed

Steps:
👉🏼Mix ground oats & buttermilk & let sit on counter for 2 hours, or mix night before/refrigerate, then bring to room temp. one hour before cooking the next morning.
👉🏼Add beaten eggs, oil, syrup, baking soda, salt & banana – gently combine with wooden spoon

🥣Stir in combo of your choice:
💙Blueberries & a tad of vanilla to taste
(or) 
🍎Small apple chunks, raisins, dash of cinnamon
🤍(and/or) Finely chopped nuts or hemp seeds for an extra boost of nutrition
👉🏼Transfer mixture into well-greased 8”X8” pan and bake in preheated over at 350F for 40 to 60 minutes. Edges should be golden brown, but top should be barely browned.
🥰Cut into bars and refrigerate. They warm easily in the microwave or great to add to school lunch!

🙂Let me know if you try them!
💕Melanie

#melaniepotock #feedingtherapy #pickyeaters #feedinglittles #myrecipe #pickytoddler


☺️Who me? With 1500+ attending yesterday’s conference, I thought I’d 
re-introduce myself! 

👋🏼I’m Melanie, feeding specialist, 6X author to help you raise healthy, happy eaters. 🤍International speaker. First-time GiGi. Very uncoordinated on the dance floor, but never going to stop dancing. That’s me!🥰

💜I love family, kids & food. And I love that you’re following me at @mymunchbug_melaniepotock ! Thank you 🥰


Picky eaters need a food curriculum that BOTH teachers and feeding therapists can depend on - evidence based AND fun! 

@mymunchbug_melaniepotock & Dr. Yum @doctoryumproject created a curriculum that is now in 4 different countries, in 40 states and truly helps even the pickiest eaters find the joy in food!

DM for info - Melanie will personally reply to you! 

#melaniepotock #slpfeeding #feedingtherapy #pickyeaters #feedinglittles #originalidea #dryum #feedinggroups


🥶Many picky eaters are sensitive to certain temperatures like ice pops! Try my hack to gradually introduce them to a variety of flavors. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

🤍Ice pops provide pain relief and hydration when kids are sick, especially when nothing else will “stay down”. And, you can make your own nutritious pops by blending and freezing yogurt, crushed fruit and even blending in greens like spinach. 🌿

Try my hack! A cup of water, a little swirl of the pop, and that first taste is so much easier! 

🥰Melanie
#melaniepotock #slpfeeding #feedingtherapy #ashaigers #pickyeaters #feedinglittles #responsivefeeding #originalidea #arfidawareness


Melanie Potock

Pediatric Feeding Expert and Author

Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP is a mom who once had a picky eater.  She’s experienced first-hand the stress that parents feel when they are worried about their child’s nutritional health.  Fast forward to today, and you’ll find Melanie blending her knowledge of feeding therapy with practical parenting strategies that help the entire family eat healthier.  She’s an international speaker and author of six books, including co-authoring the award-winning Raising a Healthy Happy Eater.  Whether you’re raising a child who seems to be on the path to loving all kinds of healthy foods (and you want to keep it that way) or if your child is stuck in the chicken nugget rut, “Coach Mel” is here to guide you.

Melanie's Advice Shared In...

  • Washington Post
  • PBS Kids
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Autism Parenting Magazine
  • CNN
  • ASHA Blog
  • ASHA Leader
  • Parents.com
  • The Bump
  • New York Times
  • WebMD
  • Parents
  • Romper
  • Fit Pregnancy
  • Georgia Chapter AAP
  • Fatherly
  • Care.com
  • Dr. Greene
  • Yahoo Parenting

Courses for Parents & Professionals

Melanie offers both on-demand courses and live-streaming Masterclasses.  CEUs are optional for both OTs and SLPs, yet audience members include parents, RDs, pediatricians & other health care professionals.

Need help with a picky eater, or just want to prevent kids from falling into the chicken-nugget rut?  As a parent, SLP or OT, what do you need to know about child nutrition?  What about the anxious eater – Could this be more than just picky eating?  Melanie’s on-demand course subscriptions provide the answers!

Want more in-depth instruction in a small group, virtual setting?  Register for one of Melanie’s Masterclass!

Explore course options here.

Booking Signing

Parenting Advice

Melanie’s advice has been shared in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parents Magazine and more. Over 150 articles for both parents and professionals are found here or contact Melanie for a personal one-hour coaching session via video chat.

Masterclass participants get a 25% discount on coaching.

Learn more about professional and parent coaching here.

Keynote Speaking

An international speaker, award-winning author and pediatric feeding specialist, audiences find Melanie’s advice to be practical and possible, even in the most challenging cases.  That’s because Melanie is in the trenches, working closely with the most extreme picky eaters and supporting families and health professionals around the world. Melanie has been invited to speak at over 100 different events, including the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s National Conference and the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo.

Audiences say it best: If you are looking for a professional speaker who can “provide practical solutions” for parents, caregivers and therapists and your company needs a “highly knowledgeable, organized presenter” with “energy and enthusiasm” who can deliver a “dynamic course”, then your best choice is Melanie Potock. Contact Melanie here.

Product Consulting

Need expert input on your new parenting product?  Melanie has provided expert advice for Orgain, Inc., Holland Health Care, Inc., Healthy Height, Inc., NumNum, LLC and numerous health care and parent product companies.

Looking for an expert to educate your team on how children learn to become adventurous eaters, baby-self feeding or the importance of purees?  Feeding is developmental, just like learning to crawl, walk, run. At least 1 in 4 typically developing children have trouble learning to eat!  Raising a healthy, happy eater requires the right tools and the right advice.  Melanie provides company education and collaboration via webinars, social media and creating educational videos for your audience.

Contact Melanie here.

Blog

feeding advice for parents and professionals

+
Parenting a Picky Eater,

50 Easy Ways to Get Your Kid to Eat New Foods

By Salma Abdelnour Gilman It may seem like an impossible dream right now, but your kid has the potential to love all kinds...Read More
+
Sensory Concerns,

A Special Needs Guide for Learning to Eat with Your SEVEN Senses – Part One

  Most of us think of five senses and the human body: Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. But, when it comes...Read More
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Parenting a Picky Eater,

3 Ways to Explain Baby-Led Feeding to Your Extended Family

By Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a virtual family brunch or an outdoor family picnic, well-meaning relatives may...Read More
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Parenting a Picky Eater,

Planting for Kids

By The Lettuce Grow Team Melanie Potock has a knack for taking eaters of all ages from picky to passionate. Here are a...Read More