“Meals with a child, especially a picky eater, can feel like a battleground, but Meyers (a registered dietitian nutritionist) argues that dialogue, or ‘table talk,’ can be the key to solving many of parents’ and kids’ mealtime woes. She warns that the common communication strategies parents might currently be utilizing (repetitive instruction, begging, bribing, pleading) could contribute to meltdowns and tension for all family members.... Meyers instead suggests techniques like having parents model proper eating behavior, being fully present with a child at mealtime, actively engaging in storytelling around the topic of food, and asking questions rather than making demands or commentary.... Chock-full of journal prompts, conversation starters, meditation exercises, and sample questions, this book may just be a lifeline for parents facing mealtime drama. VERDICT: Highly recommended action-packed guide on a topic of interest to many parents.”
—Library Journal starred review
~Library Journal
“As a former English teacher, I am keenly aware of the power of words to shape our thoughts and feelings. Meyers offers practical language tweaks for parents and guardians who want to foster a healthy relationship with food and enjoy more peaceful family meals.”
—Oona Hanson, MA, MA, educator and parent coach, and family mentor at Equip Health
~Oona Hanson, MA, MA
“End the Mealtime Meltdown is a unique guide to avoiding food fights with your child. In a calm and reassuring tone, Stephanie Meyers provides tips, tools, and strategies that make eating with kids more peaceful for everyone involved. Meyers’s Table Talk Method replaces parental prodding and cajoling with an open communication style that lays the foundation for a child’s healthy relationship with food now, and in the future.”
—Elizabeth Ward, MS, RDN, author of Expect the Best
~Elizabeth Ward, MS, RDN
“One of the most important things I’ve learned from this book is that helping kids have a healthy relationship with food involves encouraging curiosity around new and different types of food. Stephanie shows you how engaging your children with questions around the way ingredients look, taste, or feel can be a gateway to having them accept that food.”
—Leigh Belanger, author of My Kitchen Chalkboard
~Leigh Belanger
“Where was this thoughtful book twenty years ago when I was raising my kids? This much-needed resource should be on every parent’s and grandparent’s reading list to prepare for the years of joyful family mealtime gatherings ahead of them. Food should be loved, embraced, and enjoyed, and Meyers nailed it in this soon-to-be classic for raising healthy eaters.”
—Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, FAND, Boston University nutrition professor; author; media personality; and host of the nutrition and health podcast, Spot On!
~Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, FAND
“For parents who are committed to raising a generation of healthy eaters, this is an important tool! The book provides creative, stress-free techniques for reducing common but frustrating food struggles at mealtimes. Her practical advice and realistic expectations show parents how to effectively communicate with children to create enjoyable, peaceful mealtimes at last!”
—Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Eating Mindfully, 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food, Eating Mindfully for Teens, and Hanger Management
~Susan Albers, PsyD
“Refreshing and revolutionary! This book is a gift for families as it brings joy, curiosity, and connection back to mealtime. Stephanie Meyers’s approach is brilliant—grounded in evidence and practical experience—weaving together her deep knowledge of nutrition counseling, mindfulness, and parenting to break old, unhelpful habits and replace them with new, healthy ways of relating and eating that can last a lifetime.”
—Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, president of the Mind & Life Institute, and author of Leaves Falling Gently
~Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN
