How Sensory Processing Affects Picky Eating with Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Parent Coach Effie Pomaki | Episode 101
Picky eating, big emotions, and constant mealtime battles can leave even the most patient moms feeling overwhelmed. When nothing seems to work, it’s easy to assume it’s behavioural, but often there’s something deeper going on.
I am talking to paediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Effie Pomaki about how sensory processing and nervous system regulation impact how kids eat, behave, and respond to daily routines. We cover practical, realistic strategies to reduce mealtime stress, support emotional regulation, and help your child feel more comfortable in their body.
Effie and I talk about:
- How sensory processing affects your child’s ability to eat, focus, and regulate emotions
- Why picky eating is often linked to texture, smell, and visual sensitivities
- How to identify patterns in your child’s preferred foods to expand variety
- How to introduce sensory play in a low-pressure, child-led way
- Why food play outside of mealtimes reduces anxiety and increases exposure
- How to support kids who feel anxious about trying new foods
- How to use play and silliness to reduce power struggles and increase cooperation
- Why connection and safety are essential for learning and behaviour
Effie Pomaki is a paediatric occupational therapist and parent coach specializing in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and child development. She helps parents understand their child’s behaviour through a nervous system lens and provides practical strategies to support daily routines. Effie works with families one-on-one and shares tools and resources to help children feel more regulated, confident, and capable.
Episode Links
Follow Effie on Instagram at Uplifted Parenting
Grab Effie’s Sensory Decoder Kit
Come say hi to me on Instagram
Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.
Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.
Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.
