picky eater parenting

A 6-week programme that takes the stress out of mealtimes and gives your child the foundations for lifelong confidence with food.

If youโ€™ve ever sat at the table feeling like a failure because your child refused yet another meal, youโ€™re not on your own. Many of us go through this when our kids are small. What gets called โ€œpicky eatingโ€ is often part of development - children under seven can become cautious about new foods, eat very little, or stick to rigid favourites. Knowing that doesnโ€™t make it any less stressful when itโ€™s your child.

We carry the same feelings: the knot in your stomach worrying about growth and nutrition, the guilt when mealtimes turn into a fight, the shame when grandparents, nurseries or even health visitors look at you like youโ€™re doing it wrong. Add the mental load of planning and second-guessing every meal, and itโ€™s no wonder we end up anxious, isolated and exhausted.

But hereโ€™s the truth: it isnโ€™t your fault. Feeding challenges are common, and they donโ€™t mean youโ€™re failing as a parent. What changes everything is the right support - practical strategies that lower the stress, and a non-judgemental space to talk openly and share what works.

Thatโ€™s exactly what Picky Eater Parenting is here for: six weeks of guidance, tools and encouragement to help you take the pressure out of mealtimes and feel confident your child is on the right track.

register your interest

My โ€˜Picky Eater Parentingโ€™ online course runs multiple times throughout the year.

To register your interest for the next course, please enter your details and one of the team will be in touch with more information.

How the programme works

For just ยฃ65 a week, youโ€™ll get six weeks of support, structure, and tools to move past daily mealtime stress and start seeing real change.

  • โ€ข 6 weekly live sessions at 8pm (after bedtime) - begins 28 January 2026

    โ€ข A dedicated live Q&A every week to tackle whatโ€™s happening in your home right now

    โ€ข A private Picky Eater Portal with replays, catch-up access, and additional resources

    โ€ข Weekly activities and check-ins to keep you on track

    โ€ข Step-by-step practical strategies you can use straight away

    โ€ข Access to the private Facebook community to share experiences with other parents

    โ€ข Optional WhatsApp broadcast group for quick updates and reminders

    โ€ข Places are strictly limited and will be first come, first served

All led by Lucy Upton -  a childrenโ€™s dietitian with 15+ yearsโ€™ experience, and a non-judgemental, supportive approach that makes parents feel heard, not blamed.

register your interest

My โ€˜Picky Eater Parentingโ€™ online course runs multiple times throughout the year.

To register your interest for the next course, please enter your details and one of the team will be in touch with more information.

The difference youโ€™ll see in 6 weeks

In six weeks youโ€™ll move from daily battles and second-guessing to calmer meals, clear strategies, and confidence that your child is on the right track.

  • From guilt to calm โ€“ feel more in control at mealtimes and reconnect with your child.

  • From โ€œI donโ€™t know what to doโ€ to โ€œI have a planโ€ โ€“ know exactly how to respond when food is refused or thrown.

  • From trial and error to proven strategies โ€“ step-by-step tools that fit real family life.

  • From conflict to teamwork โ€“ bring grandparents, partners, and nurseries on board without constant battles.

  • From worry to reassurance โ€“ understand what real progress looks like so you know your child is doing fine.

  • From feeling alone to supported โ€“ join a community of parents who get it, so you donโ€™t feel like youโ€™re carrying this on your own.

register your interest

My โ€˜Picky Eater Parentingโ€™ online course runs multiple times throughout the year.

To register your interest for the next course, please enter your details and one of the team will be in touch with more information.

why this programme? why lucy?

When it comes to feeding struggles, you donโ€™t just need tips - you need someone who has seen it all and knows what actually works.

This programme is led by Lucy Upton, one of the UKโ€™s most trusted childrenโ€™s dietitians:

  • โ€ข Over 15 yearsโ€™ experience working with families through the NHS and in private practice.

    โ€ข Specialist in responsive feeding approaches, designed to lower stress and build childrenโ€™s confidence with food.

    โ€ข Mum to a toddler herself โ€“ so she understands the yoghurt stand-offs and bedtime worries firsthand.

    โ€ข A 100% 5-star Google rating from families who have been where you are now.

Lucyโ€™s approach is professional, practical, and never judgemental.