Through the simple step of sharing the responsibilities for feeding between you and your child, mealtimes can become less stressful. This is especially true with children who have a limited food acceptance. As Pediatric Feeding Specialists, we want to help you de-stress your family meals.
How to Start Reducing Mealtime Stress for the Whole Family
There are many children with a limited ability to tolerate different foods and this can make meals stressful for you, your child and the whole family. With three meals a day, seven days a week, that’s a lot of time to be stressed.
One of the first steps to moving forward with feeding is to take a step back and take a breath. It can feel like a lot of pressure on you as the parent to make sure your child is fed, but the truth is you can’t make them eat.
Eliminating the Power Struggle to Get a Child Fed
As a parent, you prepare the foods, you present your children with options, and you model eating the food. It’s your job to decide what food is offered, when the food is presented and where they’re eating. However, it’s up to the child if they’re going to eat what’s provided and if so, how much they’re going to eat.
It can be difficult to release this job to the kid, but the tighter you hold on, the more of a power struggle might occur. Trust your child to eat. When you’re doing your part feeding them, they’ll do their part eating. Progress with food acceptance happens when everyone at the table is feeling more comfortable and relaxed, and that includes you, too. You want to take that power struggle out of it.
Your Child Needs the Chance to Learn about Foods at Their Own Pace
Remember that your child doesn’t have all the experience with food that you have. They need time to learn about different smells, textures, temperatures and colors. They also need time to learn how much food their body needs and how to act during mealtime. With the right support, they will get there.
Feeding therapists are here at JLD Therapy to give you extra support. If you are struggling with mealtimes, come on in to JLD. We’ll pick a time and sit down and talk to you about it. Call us to schedule this meeting: (408) 337-2727.
About Marilyn Frazier
Marilyn became a therapist in 2017 and has a wide variety of clinical experience. She’s played a role in schools, private pediatric clinics, nursing homes, adult outpatient, and in home health, serving all ages. Private pediatrics, however, is where Marilyn’s heart truly is.
About Elise Weidner
Elise earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University after graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a certificate in Disability Studies. She has experience working with pediatric populations with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, TBI, Cerebral Palsy, and Sensory Processing disorders. Elise became an OT because she saw a great need for creating space for those with different needs and talents.