Mealtimes are something that occurs at least a few times every day. They are a wonderful opportunity to connect as a family whilst enjoying food together. However, for many families, mealtimes are tiring, stressful and often dreaded. We have put together some general strategies (based on SOS Approach to Feeding Course) to help make mealtimes more positive for your little one and family!
1. Teach the social experience of eating
Family meals should be enjoyed together as a family. This means that it is so important to each together with your child to model good feeding behaviours (e.g. not interrupting your child by cleaning around them). During this time, you can discuss food properties (e.g. colour, shape, feel), varieties, preparation and preferences. You can also over-exaggerate your own biting, chewing and swallowing whilst discussing what you are doing. During this child, your child is not the focus of the meal, the food is the focus! You can involve your child in all aspects of the meal such as preparation, serving oneself and cleaning up!
2. Structure meal and snack times
It is important to create structure to your child (and families) meals and snack times as we as humans thrive in routine. You can do this by using the same place for meals and seating everyone in the same spot, or by following approximately the same time schedule. You can have a meal routine to help your child know what to expect.
3. Reinforcement: Encouraging behaviours around mealtime
Providing verbal praise in the appropriate amounts can work really well to build positive behaviours around mealtime e.g. nice looking at the carrot! You can do this by reinforcing your child for any positive food behaviours e.g. keeping food on their plate, looking, touching and tasting. Remember that touching and playing with food is a great way to desensitise your child to different foods!
4. Increasing understanding of mealtimes
It is so important to help your child build an understanding around food, the process of eating and mealtimes. You can do this by allowing your child to crush the food with their fingers and talk about how this is just what your teeth do to the food in your mouth.
It should be noted that this information and strategies are general in nature. Should you have any concerns about your child’s feeding, you should seek support from your GP or Health Professional. These strategies were obtained from the SOS Approach to Feeding Guide and were developed by Kay A. Toomey and Associates 2002/2010.
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