Feeding challenges can be stressful for both children and their parents. Whether your child struggles with picky eating, sensory aversions, or difficulty swallowing, feeding therapy can offer a structured approach to help them develop a healthier relationship with food. Feeding therapy provides children with the tools and support they need to become more comfortable with eating, expanding their food preferences and addressing any underlying oral-motor issues. If your child is about to begin their first feeding therapy session, here’s a guide on how to prepare for it and what to expect.
1. Let’s Start with an Understanding of Feeding Therapy
Feeding therapy is designed to help children overcome a variety of feeding challenges, including:
- Picky Eating and Limited Diet: Some children have a narrow range of acceptable foods, often due to sensory sensitivities or strong preferences for certain textures or flavors.
- Sensory Processing Issues: Children with sensory processing disorders may be sensitive to certain textures, smells, or temperatures in food, leading to aversions.
- Oral-Motor Difficulties: Issues with chewing, swallowing, or moving food around in the mouth can make eating difficult and frustrating.
- Medical Issues: Conditions like acid reflux, allergies, or developmental disorders can interfere with a child’s ability to eat comfortably.
Feeding therapists, who are often speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists, assess each child’s unique needs and create a customized plan to support them in building skills and confidence around food.
2. Talk to Your Child About the Session
For many children, new experiences can be daunting. Talking to your child about what to expect can help reduce anxiety and build a positive outlook toward feeding therapy. Here are some tips:
- Use Simple, Positive Language: Explain that the therapist is there to help make eating easier and more fun. Avoid words like “doctor” or “appointment” that might cause fear.
- Reassure Them of Your Presence: Let them know you’ll be there with them (if recommended by the therapist) or nearby, providing comfort and support.
- Focus on the Positives: Describe the session as a chance to play with food and explore new things, turning it into an exciting experience rather than a chore.
3. Preparing Background Info for Paperwork
Before the first session, parents will be asked for background information. This might include medical history, dietary restrictions, current feeding behaviors, and any known food aversions. Filling out these forms accurately helps the therapist understand your child’s unique challenges and tailor the session to meet their needs.
- Describe Eating Patterns: Include details about your child’s preferred and avoided foods, meal behaviors, and any feeding techniques you currently use.
- Include Medical Information: If your child has any medical conditions, allergies, or developmental delays, be sure to mention them.
- Note Family Goals: Indicate any specific goals you have, such as increasing the variety of foods they eat or reducing mealtime stress.
4. Pack Essential Items for the Session
Arriving prepared with essential items can make the session run smoothly:
- Favorite Foods and Utensils: Bring a few foods that your child enjoys as well as those they struggle with. This provides a starting point for the therapist and allows them to observe their reactions.
- Comfort Items: If your child has a favorite toy, blanket, or other comfort item, bring it along. This can help them feel more at ease.
- Appropriate Clothing: Feeding therapy can get messy, especially with younger children. Dress your child in clothes that are easy to clean or bring an extra set.
5. Prepare Questions for the Therapist
Feeding therapy is a collaborative process, and your questions help establish clear communication with the therapist. Consider asking:
- What specific goals will the session focus on?
- What methods or techniques will you use?
- How can I support my child’s progress at home?
- How will we measure success over time?
Asking questions allows you to gain insights into the therapy process, empowering you to support your child’s progress effectively.
6. Remember: Feeding Therapy Is a Journey
Feeding therapy is a gradual process, often requiring consistent sessions to see significant changes. Understand that the first session is largely an introduction where the therapist will:
- Observe and Assess: The therapist will likely spend time observing your child’s current feeding abilities, reactions to food, and oral-motor skills.
- Build Rapport: Establishing trust with your child is essential. The therapist may begin with games or non-food activities to make your child feel comfortable.
- Set Baseline Goals: Based on initial observations, the therapist may start setting baseline goals to guide future sessions.
7. Encourage a Positive Attitude Towards Food
One of the goals of feeding therapy is to create a positive relationship with food. In the days leading up to the session:
- Avoid Pressure: Avoid pressuring your child to try new foods or finish meals. The goal is to make eating a positive experience rather than a point of stress.
- Talk About Food as Fun: Emphasize that food can be fun to explore, with a variety of textures, colors, and smells to experience.
- Stay Neutral: If your child expresses dislike for certain foods, acknowledge it without judgment. Avoid reinforcing food aversions by labeling foods as “bad” or “good.”
8. Set Up a Post-Session Routine
After the session, give your child time to process the experience and settle down. This could include:
- Talking About the Session: Gently ask what they enjoyed about the session. Keep the tone light and avoid pushing for details if they’re reluctant to share.
- Rewarding Their Efforts: Praise your child for their bravery in trying something new. Small, positive reinforcement can help build their confidence for future sessions.
- Following Up on Therapist Recommendations: If the therapist provides at-home exercises or techniques, integrate them into daily routines in a way that feels natural and non-stressful.
9. Support Your Child’s Progress at Home
Between sessions, incorporating small steps at home can reinforce progress. Here are some ways to support their therapy journey:
- Sensory Play: Use non-mealtime activities to encourage sensory exploration with food. For example, allow them to play with different textures in a non-eating context to reduce sensitivity.
- Model Positive Eating Behaviors: Show your child how you try new foods or enjoy different textures to set a positive example.
- Follow the Therapist’s Recommendations: Consistency is key, so practice any recommended techniques at home. For example, if your child is working on self-feeding, encourage them to use a spoon independently at meals.
10. Be Patient and Celebrate Small Wins
Feeding therapy can take time, and progress might come in small steps. Celebrate each new food your child tries, every improvement in their oral-motor skills, and any increased comfort with food textures or smells. Patience and positive reinforcement go a long way in supporting your child’s journey to successful eating.
Milk & Milestones is Here to Support You and Your Child
Preparing for your child’s first feeding therapy session involves a mix of planning, emotional support, and a positive attitude. By understanding the goals of feeding therapy, packing the essentials, and maintaining open communication with the therapist, you can make the experience as smooth as possible for your child.
Remember that progress may be gradual, and each step forward is worth celebrating. Feeding therapy offers a structured and compassionate approach to help your child build a healthy relationship with food, making mealtimes more enjoyable for everyone. With consistency, patience, and support, your child will gain the skills they need to eat comfortably and confidently. Call Milk & Milestones Therapy at 201-401-0702 and schedule a consultation to learn how we can support feeding challenges today.