If you’ve tried everything—from coaxing and reminding to rewarding with dessert—only to have your child still refuse food, it can feel baffling and incredibly frustrating. For many children with eating difficulties, eating isn’t just about hunger. It’s about feeling safe enough to eat. Kids must feel neurologically and sensory-safe before they can explore food. As a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in feeding therapy, I’ve seen that true progress doesn’t start with pressure or rewards—it starts with felt safety, sensory regulation, and connection.