Mealtime Ideas and Suggestions - Introduction

Judy Benz Duncan, Occupational Therapist

Mealtime Ideas and Suggestions - Introduction

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Many children have significant mealtime difficulties that often impact the whole family. Being called a “fussy eater” may not truly cover the real challenges that some children experience when it comes to eating. 

A child with sensory integration issues, mild to severe, may display difficulty with sitting at the table, touching the food, food texture or smells, adequately chewing, being able to try or accept new food items, use of utensils or cups, being able to handle the distractions of eating in a distracting environment such as at a school dining room or at a restaurant, and the list goes on. Each child is different, although most parents and caregivers express similar areas where they and the child needs support and guidance.

Before beginning making any changes to the current situation with meals and eating, start making a record for a week or two.

Food and Behavior Diary

Include:

o   what your child will eat (specific foods, textures, spices, etc.)

o   record how much of each food they will eat

o   when (times of meal times, grazing foods, snacking

o   in what situation (i.e., will they only eat chicken nuggets in the car, or with ketchup, do they pick them up with their fingers or fork, do they lick their fingers, do they have to lick them or smell them first, only eat in a specific spot, and any other information you can think of related to the situation where they may eat)

o   what happens when something changes

o   any gagging, nose running, behavior changes around food

o   any behavior changes when food touches their hands

o   what they drink during the day and what they use to drink from

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o   if they only eat off a specific plate or bowl

o   was the child involved in playing with something during meal time

o   observe if they chew up the food or swallow chunks of food

o   what happens when new food is presented

o   if they are able to sit in a crowded dining hall or restaurant

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o   if they eat with their mouth open or with lips closed

o   if they lick, smell, or taste their food before placing in their mouth

o   if they let their food touch on the plate, if they take a bite where more than one food item is on the fork or spoon, or if they smash everything together all at once

o   any other information that you would like to keep track of

Having data to start with will be helpful later on. A medical check out by their primary medical professional can rule out any medical issues, state of health, any dietary issues, mouth or tooth pain.

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