Dr Kyla- Paediatric Dietitian

Dr Kyla- Paediatric Dietitian Dr Kyla Smith is a paediatric dietitian revolutionising the way we feed our families Food and mealtimes are overwhelming for so many families.

I’m here to help you feel good about mealtimes, and change the way we feed this generation of children. There’s the process of starting off on solid food, surviving the fussy toddler stages and navigating school lunchboxes and family mealtimes, all whilst battling a myriad of misinformation and our own learned and sometimes negative relationships with food. My mission is to empower you with the skills and confidence to support your baby, your toddler and your school-aged child to love their food and feel comfortable in their bodies. We can raise our children to respect their bodies and trust their hunger, and feel confident around food. It’s not always easy in our diet-obsessed culture, but it is possible. My approach will set your kids up for a future of eating that supports them to grow and thrive. I can't wait for you to join me!

Good luck, you'll need it.
27/12/2025

Good luck, you'll need it.

Setting a plate for your toddler for Christmas lunch? You may want to adjust your expectations.Very few toddlers will be...
23/12/2025

Setting a plate for your toddler for Christmas lunch? You may want to adjust your expectations.

Very few toddlers will be able to happily sit through a long-ish lunch. So I recommend having a plan for what you’ll do once your toddler has had enough.

A quiet activity like colouring or sticker books can help to keep them busy while YOU eat.

It’s also likely that lunch will stretch across your toddler’s nap time. In which case, feed them on their regular schedule and put them down for a sleep. There’ll still be festive fun to enjoy when they wake up and you will have been able to enjoy a Christmas meal without wrangling a toddler.

Got questions about how to manage Christmas and other special events?

Staying with the festive theme, let's see if I'm roasting or gobbling up these Mini Turkey Kyiv's from Aldi.Today’s Chew...
23/12/2025

Staying with the festive theme, let's see if I'm roasting or gobbling up these Mini Turkey Kyiv's from Aldi.

Today’s Chewsday Review is a short written review that you can view on the website.
The picture and emojis are a quick idea of what I think of the product.

Read the review: https://mealtimes.com.au/chewsday-reviews/

Seriously, it will all be ok. Lots of things about Christmas gatherings can be challenging for kids, so the best thing w...
22/12/2025

Seriously, it will all be ok.

Lots of things about Christmas gatherings can be challenging for kids, so the best thing we can do is be in their corner.

Even if there are some of your child’s safe foods on the menu, they might be completely or even slightly different versions. Perhaps there are green ‘bits’ in the potato bake, or the ham has a different glaze. It’s also often a long, tiring and emotional day. For them and for us.

If this feels tricky for you, try reframing it: They ate enough to feel satisfied. They stayed at the table for 10 minutes. They shared the moment with you all. And that’s what really matters.

These reindeer bao buns are giving big Christmas energy, let's see if what's inside is worth dashing to the shops for!To...
16/12/2025

These reindeer bao buns are giving big Christmas energy, let's see if what's inside is worth dashing to the shops for!

Today’s Chewsday Review is a short written review that you can view on the website.
The picture and emojis are a quick idea of what I think of the product.

Read the review: https://mealtimes.com.au/chewsday-reviews/

The holidays can be a difficult time for a lot of reasons, and sometimes those reasons can be centered around eating, di...
15/12/2025

The holidays can be a difficult time for a lot of reasons, and sometimes those reasons can be centered around eating, diet and negative body chat.

Maybe it’s an older family member commenting on someone else’s body. Table talk about whether a second helping of pavlova is deserved. Or a focus on how much your kid is (or isn’t) eating.

As much as you’re working to teach your kids that all food is food and to keep talk about bodies neutral, it can be really difficult when you’re in these sorts of situations.

It’s really common to feel anxious about potential comments and conversations that may come up. And your own response can depend on a whole load of factors.

My personal preference is to redirect the conversation or show disinterest. If you need to, you can blame me for how you’re approaching mealtimes this year (this is a tactic I know some of my members use 🙂).

Most importantly, you can be a quiet, consistent voice next to your kids. Remind them they can choose what they eat and that you’ll have their back.

Comment CHRISTMAS BLOG and I’ll send you a link for my tips for holiday eating🎄

As we head into the holidays this is your friendly reminder that your child’s wild behaviour right now is most likely re...
11/12/2025

As we head into the holidays this is your friendly reminder that your child’s wild behaviour right now is most likely related to the excitement of Christmas (or Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate). It’s not because they’ve eaten more sugar than normal.

I know it’s hard to believe, but consider for a moment that your child’s behaviour is a result of the late nights, early mornings, busy days, end of daycare/school, parties, catch ups, cousin time, swims, parental stress, overstimulation and lack of predictable routine. All these things add up.

And actually, the scientific evidence consistently shows that sugar does NOT impact children’s behaviour (see citations below).

In fact, the research shows that parents report more wild behaviour from their child when they’ve been told their child has consumed sugar, even when they’ve had none. It’s about perception more than anything.

It’s such a common belief that the term ‘sugar high’ is bandied around by kids themselves at Christmas catch ups. Consider this your friendly reminder that our children absorb everything we say, and we just don’t need to speak this way about any food- including sugar.

And sure, your child probably isn’t eating like they usually do. Same in my household. But we can gradually get back to normal once we all emerge from this bubble of Christmas catch ups. And no one has to feel bad about any of it!

So did you know this? Or do you find it hard to believe?

🍬🍬🍬
Evidence:
DOI: 10.1001/jama.1995.03530200053037

DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2017.1386628

DOI: 10.1079/bjn20041171.

I'm a fan of a flaky pastry, but what about these Croissant Prawn Puffs from Aldi?! Will they fill me with festive cheer...
09/12/2025

I'm a fan of a flaky pastry, but what about these Croissant Prawn Puffs from Aldi?! Will they fill me with festive cheer or leave me feeling crabby?

Today’s Chewsday Review is a short written review that you can view on the website.
The picture and emojis are a quick idea of what I think of the product, however to read the full review (max 3 min read) head to the link in bio or my stories.

Toddlers rejoice, 2026 is your year 🤍🍞🥖🥐🥚🧈🫔🥟🍦🧁🥛
08/12/2025

Toddlers rejoice, 2026 is your year 🤍

🍞🥖🥐🥚🧈🫔🥟🍦🧁🥛

We've all been there! 🤣
04/12/2025

We've all been there! 🤣

Sleigh, what… Christmas tree shaped nuggets?! If your toddler loves nuggets, they might be excited to see these right in...
02/12/2025

Sleigh, what… Christmas tree shaped nuggets?! If your toddler loves nuggets, they might be excited to see these right in time for Christmas. But will they make Santa’s nice list? Read on for more.

Today’s Chewsday Review is a short written review that you can view on the website.
The picture and emojis are a quick idea of what I think of the product.

Read the review: https://mealtimes.com.au/chewsday-reviews/

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Mealtime Building Blocks provides in-home, phone or email support for families experiencing mealtime difficulties. The director of Mealtime Building Blocks, Dr Kyla Smith, and Liz Beaton are paediatric dietitians with 10+ experience working with children and parents who are finding mealtimes challenging. Lauren Pike is an Occupational Therapist with 10+ years experience working with children and mealtime difficulties. Kyla, Liz and Lauren are passionate about helping parents and children to experience positive mealtimes, without stress and worry. If you feel like your household is experiencing 'mealtime madness' then making an appointment might be worthwhile. In-home appointments mean your child can be comfortable in their own environment, and you're saved the stress of packing everyone and everything into the car to get to an appointment.