Creating safe, positive, and playful food experiences
βFor kids with food and eating difficulties, you want to work to create a safe and positive experience around food and with food.β
β Toomey & Ross, 2002
π Get Your Child Involved
Let your child take part in the food journey:
- π₯¦ Pick a new food at the grocery store or farmers market
- π Find recipes together using their chosen food
- π² Help cook: stir, wash, measure, or set the table
- π± Grow a garden: let them choose and care for plants
π Create a Positive Experience
- β No force feeding: Let kids explore food at their own pace
- βοΈ Balance encouragement and pressure: Be patient and gentle
- π₯ One-bite rule: Try one bite per mealβno pressure to finish
- π¨ Play with food: Messy is okay! It builds comfort and curiosity
π Make a Great First Impression
- π Familiar formats: Cut veggies like pretzel sticks or fries
- π Kid-friendly versions: Breaded fish or sweet potato fries
- ππ Explore with senses: Smell, lick, touch, describe before tasting
- π¨ Creative play: Paint with pudding, stamp with veggies, build food creatures
π Fun Food Play Ideas
| Activity | Description |
| π¨ Paint with food | Use applesauce, pudding, or yogurt and veggie βbrushesβ |
| ποΈ Sensory play | Spaghetti tubs, Jell-O digs, pudding squish |
| 𧩠Build with food | Make faces, trains, or animals |
| π€ Spell with snacks | Form names or letters with food |
| π§ Decorate together | Cookies, cupcakes, or fruit kabobs |
π More fun food crafts
π Making food fun gallery
π¬ Need Help?
If you have questions or want more ideas, talk to your childβs therapist. They can help you tailor strategies to your childβs needs.