A few years ago, I had a discovery call with Natalie, the parent of a picky eater. The first thing she said to me was, “My 5-year-old only eats cheese and plain pasta. I have read every blog post on picky eating and made every “hidden vegetable” recipe. Nothing has worked. What can you tell me that I don’t already know?”
I get it - when I have a problem, I also scour the internet for solutions. In our age of information abundance and “Dr. Google,” it is tempting to feel like you have heard and read all there is to know about nutrition and feeding your family.
So, I will share what I shared with her, as it is helpful for many parents to hear, no matter what feeding or nutritional challenge you are currently facing.
1. In many aspects, ALL parents know more than I do. That is because you are the expert on your child and family and have much to contribute.
I can’t do this without you. Even if I spend numerous consultations with you, I know only a fraction of what you know about your child and family. I believe you are your child’s biggest specialist. You know them better than anyone else. You’ve observed their likes, dislikes, and unique challenges. Your insights are invaluable; you are a true partner in your child's nutritional journey.
This is why I have trained in a person- (or family-) centred approach. Gone are the days of the traditional top-down practitioner-patient model. Your insights, observations, and intuition are invaluable. I’m here to listen, learn, and collaborate with you to find the best solutions for your family.
That being said, I bring something that you might need too.
2. A Fresh Perspective
As the saying goes, "You can’t read the label from inside the jar”. In many ways, my role is to offer an objective viewpoint. I can help you see patterns, challenges, and opportunities that might be difficult to spot when immersed in the day-to-day. This is especially true if the current situation is causing anxiety, confusion and conflict.
I also often help parents or caregivers with conflicting views on how to feed their children come together to see how they can find an approach that feels good for everyone.
3. An informed opinion beyond personal experience
I have dedicated more than 20 years to studying human nutrition, physiology, and psychology, and it is a privilege to continue to do so. My approach is informed by an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of years of nutrition and childhood development research, ongoing clinical training and supervision, and the lived experiences of families from diverse backgrounds.
And while my experiences as a parent continue to shape my compassion and understanding in my work, I don’t rely on them.
I’ve seen how one strategy can work for one family but not for another. I’ve seen how quick fixes cause more significant problems down the line and how taking the time to implement the right strategies pays off time and again. This means you benefit from a wealth of knowledge and strategy beyond what works for me and my family.
I am expertly trained to assess your child’s overall health, identify potential nutritional gaps, and prioritise areas for us to focus on. I help you cut through the noise and determine your child's nutritional priority.
“I was initially concerned that our daughter, a picky eater, diet lacked protein, but after our consultation, I learned that my daughter lacked carbohydrates and total energy for the amount of training she was going through. This key insight ensured that we can now move forward and address the deficiency with the help and guidance from Karlien. Now we know how to ensure she’s properly fueled up before, during, and after her training session.”
Stephanie, mother of a 10-year-old acrobatic dancer
4. A Compassionate, non-judgemental space
You can be assured of a supportive space where everyone is treated with kindness and understanding. I know that feeding children can be a complex and overwhelming task, and changing behaviours is not easy.
Unfortunately, society often criticizes parents, especially mothers, for their feeding choices. Given their circumstances, I believe every parent is doing their best, and I do not tolerate any form of parent shaming.
Your worth as a parent is not determined by your child’s diet. Food is simply nourishment, and what you eat does not make you morally superior or inferior to anyone.
5. The Power of a Personalized, Coherent Plan
While there is a time and place for general nutritional advice, many families need tailored nutrition interventions. That is why I don’t provide you with a generic “picky eating food list”.
Furthermore, diverse approaches to nutrition and feeding exist, with each dietitian or specialist having a unique style. Combining bits of advice from various sources can often lead to confusion, frustration or ineffective results.
One of the main problems I uncovered when working with Natalie - remember Natalie from the beginning of the post, whose child only ate cheese and plain pasta - was that she had been attempting to implement strategies without proper groundwork and expecting immediate results. This led to frustration, more pressure and anxiety around mealtimes and ultimately started affecting her confidence as a parent.
When she realized she couldn’t “get her child to try a new food,” she could focus her energy on the things she could control and create a safe environment at mealtimes. After three months of implementing our strategies, Natalie didn’t see much change in her son’s diet. However, meal times were much more peaceful and enjoyable. One day, her son asked for a burger (which he had never eaten before), ate half of it, and said it was "okay.”
Sometimes, we focus our efforts on the wrong area without even knowing. Natalie's son expanded his diet slowly and steadily over the following months. Now, as an 8-year-old, he still has strong preferences but enjoys a more varied diet, eating at least one food from all food groups. Their mealtimes are relaxed, and Natalie feels confident and calm about how she is feeding her family.
Working with me lets you discuss your child's unique challenges, goals, and food preferences. It's a safe space to ask ‘silly’ questions, share concerns (especially those that keep you up at night), and receive empathy and no judgment.
Remember, you’re not alone. I’m here to partner with you and help your family thrive. Let’s work together to build a strong foundation for their health and well-being.
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