For highly anxious or sensitive eaters, the usual advice ("just put it on the plate!") backfires by creating overwhelming stress. Mealtime shouldn't trigger a "fight or flight" response, but for some children, it does. They perceive the new food's smell, texture, or color as a genuine danger. As a dietitian, I want you to know: You haven't failed. Your child is simply having a sensory or anxiety response . When the brain views a food as a threat, no amount of pushing will he