Let's talk about feeding challenges! While it's totally normal for kids to go through fussy phases with food, sometimes there's more to the story. As feeding therapists, we're passionate about helping families turn tricky mealtimes into enjoyable experiences (yes, it's possible!).
What's Really Going On?
Here's the thing: there's fussy eating, and then there's feeding difficulties. A feeding difficulty is more than just saying "no" to broccoli – it's when eating challenges start affecting your child's daily life, nutrition, or your family's mealtime joy. Let's break down what this might look like...
The Signs to Watch For (Real Talk!)
At Mealtimes
Getting super stressed when new foods appear on the plate
Meals that feel like they go on forever (we're talking 30+ minutes of struggle)
The dreaded mealtime meltdowns
Running away from the table becomes an Olympic sport
Your child has a totally different meal from the rest of the family... again!
Physical Clues
Gagging or getting upset around certain food textures
Finding it tricky to chew foods that should be manageable
Food escaping from the mouth while eating
Struggling to move food around in their mouth
Getting stuck on certain food textures and finding it hard to try new ones
Food Choices
The "safe food" list keeps getting smaller
Whole food groups are off the menu
Living on supplements because eating is such a challenge
Once a food is dropped, it's gone for good
The variety is super limited (less than 20 different foods)
The Bigger Picture
Avoiding eating with friends or at childcare
Restaurant visits? No thanks!
Every mealtime feels like a battle
Social events with food become stress central
You're becoming a short-order cook with different meals for everyone
Time to Get Some Help?
You know your child best! Consider reaching out if:
These challenges aren't just a phase anymore
You're worried about growth or development
Mealtimes are stressing out the whole family
Social situations involving food are becoming tricky
Your parent-gut is telling you something's not quite right
How We Can Help
Our amazing team of speech pathologists and dietitians are here to:
Get to the bottom of what's really going on
Create a plan that works for your family (because every child is different!)
Share practical strategies to make mealtimes more fun
Support both you and your child every step of the way
Work alongside your other healthcare professionals
Ready to Turn Things Around?
Remember: reaching out for help isn't giving up – it's taking the first step towards happier mealtimes! Early support can make a huge difference, and we're here to help your child not just eat, but actually enjoy food (imagine that!).
Our friendly team of speech pathologists and dietitians gets it. We're passionate about making mealtimes fun again, and we'd love to support your family on this journey.
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Want to chat about how we can help your child learn to love food? Our friendly team is just a message away!
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