Our groups this past week have done an amazing job prepping for Thanksgiving. We have practiced setting tables, engaging in reciprocal conversations, and trying some typical Thanksgiving foods! We practiced using forks and knives, and safely cutting meats. Take a peek below to check out our Thanksgiving spread:
General Feeding Tips:
- Look at how your child is positioned at the table. Are their legs supported? Can they easily reach the table? If not, see if you can support them to get their ankles/knees/hips positioned to 90*.
- What distractions are present at mealtime? Set the vibe! Turn off the TV, play quiet music, or gentle white noise. Are they seated right by the buffet of food? The smells may be overwhelming! Find a spot away from the noise/sights/smells.
- Practice! If your child only ever sees turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans on Thanksgiving, they will not have had the opportunity to explore or trial these new items. Try a practice round!
- My favorite way to encourage new foods is by presenting everything out on the table or placing everything on every plate. Do not place pressure to try the new or non-preferred items on the plate or table. Step one is just tolerating the items being present in their space.
- Once your child can tolerate these foods nearby, start to ask questions. Is that food soft or hard? Is this one sweet or salty? Which one will make a louder crunch?
- Set time outside of mealtimes to explore and play with foods! Messy play with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese can encourage exploration without the pressure of mealtime. You may be surprised at what your child will try (and like!) Demonstrate to your child how you would smell/lick/kiss the food, etc. Adding in toys to the messy play is a great way to practice feeding a toy or object. Toy cars love to squish in macaroni!
- Do not get discouraged if your child tries a new food and visibly dislikes it at first. It can take many, many times of trying a new food before our sensory systems decide it is something we like! Continue to explore by asking questions about the food’s characteristics.
- Have fun!
Taylor Johnson Therapy, PLLC 