Holiday Feeding Tips!

By SMILE Therapists Galit Raviv, MA, CCC-SLP, and Jenna Hart, MS, CCC-SLP

Turkey, pies, stuffing, OH MY! Holidays are time when kids are exposed to so many new foods. Although it may be an exciting time for some, it may be a tough time for our picky eaters. Here are some ways to help support positive feeding experiences this holiday season: 

1) Prepare ahead! Talk about what foods you might see on the thanksgiving/holiday table, show pictures of previous years dinners (point out what is on the table).  

2) Have a “trial” plate for the holiday meal. This will allow your child to place any unwanted foods off their plate in an organized way and giving them control of what they eat while not feeling forced to try something unwanted. 

Have every family member make their own plate from shared dishes rather than serving your child. Model picking up foods with your hands to serve yourself. Providing your child this opportunity will allow them to touch the foods to gradually expose them prior to eating. 

3) Model and narrate – Kiddos are more likely to try something new if they see their parents or friends take a bite. SHOW your child how and what you’re eating. TALK about what it tastes like, feels like in a positive playful, no pressure way. For example, “mm this pie tastes sweet and creamy like chocolate pudding”. 

4) Have a “mock” holiday dinner to help ease stress and allow your child to navigate the environment and try foods before the holiday dinner when there’s added environmental factors (loud noises, new faces) 

5) Encourage your child to help prep the meal with you! This will support exposure (seeing, smelling, touching) in a social and less pressured way. 

6) Ask your child to come up with a special holiday dish they want to make. Encourage something new (whether it’s a food they eat in a different shape or a completely new food they want to try, all ideas are welcome) 

7) If your child is having a hard time sitting at the table, decorate or designate a ‘special’ chair for them. 

We hope these ideas help you and your little one who is learning to enjoy new foods! Happy Thanksgiving!