After more than two decades of feeding therapy and experience working with over 10,000 children, Melanie “Coach Mel” Potock has learned a few things about picky eating—and some of them may surprise you. In this episode, Christine and Melanie have an honest conversation about what struggling eaters and their parents truly need. They explore the worries parents carry, the mealtime habits that may not be helping, and the lessons Melanie has gathered from thousands of children with their own unique temperaments, sensory systems, and feeding challenges. What are parents focusing on that may not matter as much as they think? Can a seemingly harmless request for another bite affect more than tonight’s dinner? What should families do when progress stalls? And what has Melanie’s experience taught her about the way children actually learn to eat? Melanie also shares her perspective on the evolution of feeding therapy, what families should look for in a feeding specialist, and why even the most experienced professionals must remain willing to keep learning. If you have ever wondered whether you are doing something wrong, felt discouraged by slow progress, or questioned what your child really needs from you at the table, this is an episode you will want to hear. ABOUT MELANIE POTOCK Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric feeding therapist, international speaker, and certified speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience helping children and families establish healthy relationships with food. Known as “Coach Mel” on Instagram (@mymunchbug_melaniepotock), she is the author of six books, including the award-winning *Raising a Healthy Happy Eater* and, most recently, the book *Responsive Feeding*. A sought-after expert in both typical and complex feeding development, Melanie combines evidence-based strategies with real-life parenting insight. Her guidance has been featured in over 50 media outlets, including CNN and *The New York Times*. Certified by ASHA and the recipient of ASHA’s 2024 State Clinical Achievement Award, Melanie has also received nine ACE awards for excellence in continuing education and provides training for healthcare professionals worldwide. FIND MELANIE Website: https://mymunchbug.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymunchbug_melaniepotock/ On-demand courses for parents and professionals: https://mymunchbug.com/course-library/ Live online masterclasses: https://mymunchbug.com/feeding-masterclass/ Books: https://mymunchbug.com/books/ Follow Melanie on Instagram for feeding tips and announcements about upcoming courses, live trainings, and new resources.