Ever sit down to feed your baby or toddler and immediately feel your chest tighten, your mind race, or your patience evaporate before the food even hits the table? In this episode, Kathy invites pediatric OT–turned–nervous system coach Jessica Addeo to unpack why so many modern parents feel overwhelmed at mealtimes and why it has far less to do with your child’s eating and far more to do with your nervous system.
Through Jessica’s story of discovering her own dysregulation (and accidentally “doing OT” on herself), she explains how parents’ internal states shape everything from the tone of our voice to the pressure our kids feel at the table. You’ll learn why knowing the difference between “calm” and “regulated” matters, what subtle red flags to watch for in yourself, and why supporting your system is one of the most powerful tools for supporting your child’s eating.
From mealtime chaos, picky phases, and all-or-nothing thinking to the pressure of doing everything “right,” Jessica and Kathy explore how sensory strategies, environment cues, and compassion for yourself can shift the entire experience for your little one. And most importantly: why your worth as a parent has nothing to do with how many bites your child takes.
If you’ve ever wished you could show up to feeding with more presence, patience, and capacity, but aren’t sure how to get there, this episode offers clarity, relief, and a realistic path forward.
Episode 18: Why Your Nervous System Matters at the Table w/ Jessica Addeo | Food for Tot Podcast with Kathy O’Bryan | The Mini Me Dietitian
- The hidden ways parental dysregulation shows up at the table and why it’s not your fault
- Why knowing the difference between calm and regulated changes everything
- Subtle signs your nervous system needs support (like irritability, jaw tension, overwhelm, or scrolling instead of sleeping)
- How your internal state influences your toddler’s willingness to eat, explore, and try new foods
- Why sharing your real emotions (not pretending to be zen) actually teaches kids emotional intelligence
- How to set mealtime environments that cue safety for you and your child
- The OT-backed sensory strategies that help kids sit, focus, chew, and self-regulate
- Why some kids crave strong flavors and others need simpler textures (and how to support both)
- How to reduce pressure without removing structure and why “connection over consumption” really works
- Practical ways partners can get aligned, even with different backgrounds and bandwidth
- Why supporting your nervous system can strengthen your marriage, create calmer mealtimes, and free up energy for the rest of life
Food for Tot Podcast with Kathy O’Bryan | Episode 18 on Spotify
Food for Tot Podcast with Kathy O’Bryan | Episode 18 on Apple
Jessica’s free resources:
