It’s Not Just About the Food: Fussy Eaters, Family Pressure & Guilt

This week on the show, we’re talking about something so many of us struggle with—but rarely speak about honestly: fussy eating and the toll it can take on your whole life.

Because it’s never just about what’s on the plate.

It’s the stress at 5pm when no one wants what you’ve cooked.
 It’s the guilt that creeps in when they go to bed without dinner.
 It’s the anxiety that bubbles up when you’re on holiday and they refuse every meal.
 It’s the arguments with your partner or your parents because “you’re too soft.”
 It’s the energy it takes to smile through dinner when inside, you’re completely drained.

This week I’m joined by paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist Emma Shafqat, and together we get into the real side of food struggles—and how to make things feel lighter again.

Emma shares so much information and warmth, and offers practical tools on:
 🍽️ Taking the pressure off mealtimes (for everyone)
🥕 Encouraging your child to explore food without forcing it
🏫 Coping with school dinners when they come home saying “I didn’t eat anything”
🎮 Screens at the table – helpful or harmful?
🧃 Making snacks feel nourishing (without overcomplicating)
👵 Navigating the tension when grandparents or partners think you’re “doing it wrong”

This conversation is a permission slip to stop aiming for perfect plates and start focusing on connection, calm, and what actually works for your family.

Because feeding your child is emotional work. And if you’re in the thick of it—it’s not because you’re failing. It’s because this is hard.

🎧 Listen now 

Connect with Emma Shafqat:
Instagram: @dietitian.withadifference
Contact/Work with Emma: https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/contact-me/

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If this episode resonated with you...
I offer 1:1 therapy and coaching for mums who feel like they’re stuck in the spiral of anxiety, guilt, and pressure to do it all perfectly.

💬 Book a free connection call to find out how we can work together:
 https://natashanyeketherapy.com/work-with-me

Or come say hi on Instagram:
 📲 @natashanyeketherapy

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fussy Eating and Parental Pressure
03:27 Understanding Children's Eating Patterns
06:15 Managing Mealtime Stress and Anxiety
08:59 Exploring New Foods and Overcoming Neophobia
11:38 Strategies for Anxious Eaters
14:25 Navigating School Meals and Social Eating
17:04 The Role of Screens in Mealtime Dynamics
21:09 Identifying Children's Nutritional Needs
24:15 Navigating Parental Differences in Feeding Practices
26:47 Understanding the Impact of Stress on Eating
28:27 Creating a Positive Eating Environment
29:10 Steps to Overcome Food Anxiety
33:59 Intuitive Eating and Listening to Our Bodies