Feeding Frenzy

 School has started for me and about to start for many. We have had a very successful first week, however there seems to be a continuous theme with each and every child and that is independence. In order to be independent one must do things for themselves.  In my class (ages 3-5) independence comes in the form of

• feeding,
• toileting
• and transition.

 These are huge skill sets in my class and as I work with each student from whatever level they come to me, collaboration with parents is paramount. Let’s take feeding for instance. I was once a parent of toddlers, so I remember getting through the day-sometimes it was easier to feed my child than work on independent feeding. I remember therapists explaining the benefits of independent feeding and I remember being overwhelmed with just trying to get food in my child.  He was orally defensive; lived on cheerios and cheese-its and only would drink blue Gatorade. I remember.

But now he eats me out of house and home at 6’2”, 170lbs. So it all worked.  Food is still an issue-he’s a picky eater and he tries to now “try new things” but he is obviously not starving and never did. So my point is: Work with your teachers and therapists to encourage your child to embrace independence by learning to:

• Make them feed themselves, hand/spoon/fork /drink in a cup in hand- You may need to assist however insist that it happens.
• Gently introduce foods/textures and, and even though you may scrape it off the wall, put different foods in front of them.
• Partner with your teacher so that it can be a collaborative effort. Be on the same page. Nothing is worse than working on independent feeding at home or in class only to have it undone in either environment. Next week toileting and transitions .

Have a great start to school!!!!