Photo :: Click Films
Mum of four, Emily Hayes creates digestible audio episodes to help parents of fussy eaters enjoy mealtimes.
An experienced speech pathologist and feeding therapist, Emily started Wholesome Mealtimes from a very real place. “I have four kids with eating issues. One’s a coeliac, two have food allergies, and my fourth baby was born with multiple eating challenges,” says Emily. Mealtime at the Hayes’ house wasn’t fun, with difficulty breastfeeding, constant reflux and even choking.
Photo :: Wayne Pearson
Knowing that negative experiences with food can lead to all sorts of health and emotional problems later in life, Emily learned everything there is to know about feeding and mealtimes, and how to help fussy eaters, eat!
And so, she developed a nine part audio e-course sharing fundamental and baseline skills to help with family mealtimes and, of course, fussy eaters. “My course is about creating healthy food connections, removing the anxiety and stress from mealtimes, and replacing it with a wholesome experience for all,” says this talented mum.
Photo :: Click Films
For me, having a five-year-old with a thirst for chocolate, and chocolate only, I was quick to jump on the Emily bandwagon. Two minutes into the first episode, I’d already realised that one of my go-to strategies is actually redundant now. The old mum hack “if you don’t eat what’s on your plate, you go without,” doesn’t cut it these days as kids would actually prefer to starve than eat foods they don’t enjoy. And of course, being hungry then impacts other areas of their lives.
Emily’s work also extends to helping children with disabilities and sensory problems and she approaches feeding from a motor, sensory, nutritional, social and behavioural perspective.
What’s covered in the e-course?
• Stages and skills required to feed enjoyably and safely.
• Help to understand why your child might be fussy.
• How to make your mealtimes nutritious, fun and beneficial for your whole family.
• What to say and do when they say, “Yuck, I’m not eating that!”
• How to get kids to want to try new foods.
• Plenty of practical tips that are easy to implement in your everyday life.
Photo :: Click Films
Sprinkles hack
Sprinkles (whether they’re hundreds and thousands, chia seeds or grated vegetables) are my number one tip for parents of fussy eaters. While using hundreds and thousands may sound counter-intuitive, sprinkles bring a world of fun and positivity back to mealtimes, which is exactly what a fussy eater who is wary of food needs.
It also allows the child to take back some control — they can dip or sprinkle the food themselves. Sprinkles are also much less intimidating than a larger piece of food.
Hayley xx
