THE SENSORY MADE SIMPLE PODCAST

Transcript

Hello, welcome back to episode number 31 of the Food Explorers Podcast.

Before we dive in, I want to take a second to remind you that my very first free challenge, Camp Food Explorers, begins one week from today.

If you are tired of constantly fighting with your child about trying new foods, you're going to want to listen up.

Camp Food Explorers is an absolutely free three-day challenge taking place July 9 to July 11, 2023.

In this challenge, I'm going to teach your family how to introduce a new food and have fun doing it.

Each child has a unique sensory system, and with my guidance, you will select a food that aligns with your child's preferences, ensuring a positive and engaging experience from day one.

Through playful summer camp-inspired activities on day two, I'll show you how to remove the fear often associated with trying unfamiliar foods, making mealtime a fun and exciting adventure.

But it doesn't stop here.

On day three, we'll focus on building the bond between you and your child at the table, fostering a positive relationship with food, and creating long-lasting habits.

I know you may already be thinking, this sounds great, but I don't have time for that.

I want to remind you that this is three days only, and you just need 10 minutes a day.

You can do anything for three days.

Stop letting food battles dictate your family's dinner time.

Join Camp Food Explorers and lean into creating positive mealtime memories and build adventurous eating habits.

Sign up now at www.drsamgoldman.com forward slash Camp Food Explorers.

Again, www.drsamgoldman.com forward slash Camp Food Explorers.

Seriously, if you don't join us for this one, you're going to be missing out.

Okay, what you are here for.

Today's topic is a personal one.

I've done food play with my niece a ton, and usually she loves it.

But the other day, my sister tried one of the activities, and she told me it didn't work.

Of course, I had a lot of questions about exactly what went down and what didn't work.

I wanted to share this process of what goes on in my mind with you, because I know this is a really important topic that almost every single parent will encounter at some point.

Food play isn't always an absolute yes or the magic answer every single time.

We all have those days when kids are tired or simply not in the mood for adventurous eating.

And guess what?

That's okay.

Just like us, they're human.

In this episode, we'll explore strategies and alternative approaches to keep the food exploration journey enjoyable for both you and your child.

First off, let's consider the circumstances surrounding your child's disinterest in food play.

Are they tired or exhausted from a long day at school?

Camp?

Did they not sleep well last night?

Are they just crabby?

Just like us, children need downtime too.

Sometimes they might just want to sit and enjoy familiar foods that provide comfort.

We can't blame them for that.

It's important to acknowledge where their body is that day and what it needs.

Another factor to consider is whether the activity itself is too challenging for your child.

We might mistake disinterest for a lack of encouragement when in reality, the activity might be overwhelming or beyond their current capabilities.

In occupational therapy, we talk about the concept of the just right challenge.

It's about finding activities that are slightly challenging but not too difficult.

If the activity feels too hard, your child is more likely to shut down.

So think about how you can make it more accessible and enjoyable for them.

Furthermore, if your child doesn't even want to come to the table that night, it's essential to create a calm and inviting atmosphere first.

If they're not hungry or in a heightened fight or flight response, introducing a game or activity might not be so well received.

The initial step is to have them come to the table in a relaxed state.

In fact, sometimes the table isn't even the right setting for food play.

Some children respond better to food play outside of traditional meal time.

Consider offering it during other parts of the day when they are more receptive and open to exploration.

I know a big question parents have here is how are they going to eat enough then?

I view food play as an opportunity for children to learn and develop skills around new foods.

However, I don't see it primarily as a means to increase the quantity of foods consumed.

That's why it's crucial to establish habits and routines around the table that foster eating rather than stifling it.

In our Food Explorers membership, we have an entire training section dedicated to setting up the table for success.

So what can you do when your child isn't keen on participating in food play?

Here's a couple options to consider.

Option number one, set a boundary that each time you offer a new food, you choose one way to learn about it.

Remind your child they don't have to eat it or engage in any activity they're not ready to do yet.

But they do need to choose at least one way to learn about the food that day.

It can be as simple as looking at it, touching it, or talking about it.

Provide them with alternative options for engagement, as each child's preferences may vary.

I also recommend connecting with their interests.

Sometimes children might not be enthusiastic about food play because the option doesn't interest them.

This is especially true for older children.

Get creative and find ways to incorporate their passions in the food exploration process.

If your child loves dinosaurs, consider creating a prehistoric-themed food adventure with edible fossils or dinosaur-shaped snacks.

By aligning their interests with food play, you can capture their attention and make the experience more appealing.

Option number two, reflect on whether the activity you're proposing is too challenging for your child.

For instance, if they can't stand the sight of a banana and the activity involves squishing it, it might not be the best match.

Remember that just right challenge and adjust the activity to make it more approachable and enjoyable for them.

Option number three, consider if the plate you presented actually works for your child or not.

Did you offer a safe food?

Is the serving size of the non-preferred food overwhelming?

Are you pressuring them?

Your child first needs to feel comfortable with the plate and knowing they're not going to be pressured to eat something just because they touched it.

Option number four, try food plate in a different setting away from the table.

If the table has become a stressful place for your child, they might have difficulty opening up to food plate during meal times.

In this case, initiate food plate as a separate dedicated play activity outside of meal time.

While it may require a little extra effort on your part, you might be pleasantly surprised to find your child becomes more receptive to exploring and learning about new foods when that pressure of meal time is removed.

Option number five, shift the focus away from the new food.

I can't tell you how many times I've been shut down when working with a child when I first offer that activity.

Recently, I was working with a child, and they straight up told me, I'm not going to do that.

My response, you absolutely don't need to if you're not ready to.

Let's find another way to learn about it.

And we shifted the activity.

Now, your child might not be ready to engage with that food at all in this moment.

In this case, I usually shift away from the non-preferred food and start food play with a food they already know and love.

Then I try to slowly make my way back over to the new food.

And option number six, make it a family affair.

Sometimes children may be more receptive to food play if the entire family is involved.

Seeing their sibling enjoying and experimenting with different foods can be motivating and encourage your child to join in on the fun.

Plan family food exploration nights where everyone gets to try new foods and engage in playful activities together.

By fostering the supportive and inclusive environment, your child will feel more encouraged and motivated to participate in food play.

Remember, the key is to approach food play with patience, flexibility, and an open mind.

Not every strategy may work for your child, and that's perfectly normal.

Stay attuned to their needs, their interests, their preferences, and adjust as necessary.

Celebrate those small victories and keep the exploration process lighthearted and enjoyable.

The goal is to create a positive and enjoyable relationship with food, one playful bite at a time.

And because I know it can be hard to think of new options when your child isn't into the one you offered, I have something exciting to tell you.

I mentioned I need your help to spread the word about Camp Food Explorers, and so I thought I would offer a little incentive.

I'm giving away a free copy of my 101 Food Play Ideas checklist to one lucky winner.

All you have to do is share in your stories any of my posts or reels about Camp Food Explorers from my Instagram page, at Dr.

Sam Goldman, and tag me.

Every single time you share one, it will be an additional entry.

So go over to Instagram and share one now for your chance to win.

Thank you again for joining me today.

I hope you feel motivated and excited to make some adjustments to your food play journey.

I'll see you next time.