Thanksgiving is almost here! Do you have a child who is a picky eater? Here are three tips from The Warren Center’s speech-language pathologist, Keri Schoenemann to help your child participate in the meal.
Tip #1 Provide opportunities for your child to help prepare the meal
One fun way for your child to participate in the Thanksgiving meal is by helping you prepare the meal. They can help you cook or even set the table. You can also make this a new Thanksgiving tradition that the whole family can join in on.
Tip #2 Sit together as a family during the meal
Instead of eating separately, have your child sit with you and your family at the table. It’s also important to encourage your child to stay at the table with everyone, even after they have finished eating. This allows your child to be exposed to the social experience of eating.
Tip #3 Serve the meal family style
When it comes times to eat, make sure to serve the meal family style where everyone can serve themselves. You can also provide you child with a big spoon and a little spoon for them to scoop the food on their own. By providing two spoons that are different sizes, you are allowing them to choose how much food they would like. This is also helpful when introducing them to new foods.
Consider giving these tips a try as you get ready for your Thanksgiving meal! You can also share with us any additional tips that have worked for your family by leaving a comment below.