The Airplane Spoon Podcast: Real questions and Real stories about Feeding Children

Halloween is a food-centered holiday, and the candy can stir up worry for every kind of family. In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell covers two common situations: the child who wants all of the candy, and the child who can’t or won’t eat it. You’ll get language and strategies that keep Halloween fun and low-stress.Reflection Questions for ParentsWhat words do I currently use about candy and treats, and what might my child be taking from them?Which approach (open access, a set number, trade-in, or a time window) would feel calm and sustainable for our family?What does my child see me do with candy and treats?If my child can’t or won’t eat candy, how can they still feel part of the fun?What do I want Halloween to feel like for us, and for me?

Dysphagia means disordered swallowing, and aspiration means food or liquid going the wrong way toward the lungs. Sarina Murrell, pediatric feeding therapist explains why swallowing is so complex: the same structures handle eating and breathing, and the swallow has four phases. She explains the difference between an occasional cough (penetration) and ongoing aspiration, what signs parents might notice, and how swallowing concerns are diagnosed (FEES and MBSS/VFSS). Her message is that these words don’t need to feel scary. The more parents understand, the more informed their decisions can be, made together with their medical and feeding team.Parent reflection questionsHave I noticed my child coughing often when drinking, or on their own saliva? When does it happen most?Has anyone explained what a swallow study could tell us about my child?What questions do I want to bring to our next doctor or feeding therapist visit?How might knowing more, even if everything looks great, help our plan moving forward?

Smoothies are often used to hide fruits and vegetables. In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell shows how to use them ini plain sight of the child, and with the child instead. When your child helps prep, build, and taste the smoothie, it becomes a predictable, low-pressure way to learn about new foods. It can lead toward eating those foods in their whole form, and it does so without hiding anything.Parent reflection questionsHave you ever hidden a food in a meal? How did your child respond when they found out?Which Food Job could your child do this week to help get the smoothie ingredients ready?How can you hold back from correcting how your child cuts or adds ingredients, so they feel successful?Is there a “safe” recipe your family already repeats? What is one thing you could change in it?How could you talk about the vegetable in the smoothie openly and with pride, instead of keeping it a secret?

Books are one of the easiest, lowest-pressure ways to introduce children to new foods. In this episode, Sarina pulls ten favorites off her therapy shelf. They include interactive felt and pull-tab books, silly read-alouds, and one that some parents find a little creepy. For each one she shows how she brings it to life with kids of all ages. She also explains why pretend play, silliness, and big feelings in stories help build positive associations with food, even when a child isn't eating anything.The Book ListEating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z by Lois EhlertLittle Helpers: Grocery Day Sort and Play (Kane Miller), part of the Little Helpers felt-piece series by Susie Brooks, illustrated by Dawn MachellFeed the Animals! by Bernd Penners, illustrated by Henning Löhlein (Kane Miller)The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo WillemsStir Crack Whisk Bake by America's Test Kitchen KidsVegetables in Underwear by Jared ChapmanPete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kimberly and James DeanDragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel SalmieriPiranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron BlabeyHow Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods by Saxton Freymann and Joost ElffersLook for these at your local library, or borrow and swap with other parents!Parent Reflection QuestionsWhich foods does your child never see except at mealtimes? Could a book introduce them in a playful way first?How does your child react when food shows up in stories, play, or pretend? What does that tell you about their comfort level?Is there a book your child asks for over and over? What might they be getting from that predictability?How can you bring the silliness and connection of reading time to the table?Have a food book your family loves? We'd love to hear it. Visit TheAirplaneSpoon.comYou've got this. Love. Enjoy. Eat. And read.

Ever had a meltdown on your hands because you bought the "wrong" brand of strawberries or a different noodle shape? In this episode, Sarina breaks down why kids get rigid about specific foods — and how to gently build flexibility without turning mealtime into a battle.Key conceptsPredictability helps kids feel safe; rigidity is predictability taken to an extreme, often used as a form of controlPackaged foods are engineered to be identical every time — kids can detect small differences even when adults can't"Parenthesis foods" — foods that only get accepted under a growing list of specific conditions (bowl, brand, show, temperature)Flexibility-building works best in small doses: a single bite of something new, not a full plateParent reflection questionsIs there a food in our house that's become a "parenthesis food"? What's on the list of conditions?Am I offering variety in a way that feels safe (small, optional exposures) or overwhelming (a whole new plate at once)?Where could I loosen just one variable this week — bowl, temperature, brand — without asking for a big change all at once?