Growing at the Table
Insights on feeding development, learning to eat, and creating calm, connected mealtimes.
Browse by topic or search for specific feeding concerns.
Messes That Matter: The Role of Sensory Processing at the Table and Beyond
Eating is a sensory experience that can overwhelm young children. In this blog, we explore how sensory processing impacts eating behaviors and highlight the benefits of messy eating. By encouraging children to touch and play with their food, we can enhance fine motor skills, boost confidence, and promote acceptance of new tastes and textures. Join us to discover how messy play fosters resilience, curiosity, and emotional regulation. Plus, stay tuned for a freebie at the end, featuring fun activities to support your child’s sensory exploration during mealtimes!
Prevent Feeding Issues for Your Baby By Supporting Homeostasis
Are you struggling to manage your child’s feeding difficulties? You’re not alone—nearly 50% of parents report feeding-related issues with their children. This blog post clarifies the difference between feeding difficulties and feeding disorders, unpacks the main causes of feeding disorders, and highlights the importance of collaborating with healthcare providers for effective intervention.
Root Causes of Feeding Difficulties and the Importance of Collaborative Care
Are you struggling to manage your child’s feeding difficulties? You’re not alone—nearly 50% of parents report feeding-related issues with their children. This blog post clarifies the difference between feeding difficulties and feeding disorders, unpacks the main causes of feeding disorders, and highlights the importance of collaborating with healthcare providers for effective intervention.
Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes When Trying to Get Your Child to Eat New Foods
In today’s blog post, we'll explore the 7 most common mistakes parents make when introducing new foods to their children. But fear not! We're here to equip you with solutions to avoid or counteract picky eating tendencies, empowering you to confidently navigate mealtime and discover mealtime peace.
What is Tethered Oral Tissue? Tongue-tie & More
In this discussion, we will explore the concept of tethered oral tissue, encompassing its three primary forms: tongue tie, lip tie, and buccal tie. We will also delve into the implications of these conditions on orofacial development, as well as their impact on essential functions like feeding, swallowing, and speech.
The Gifts of Chewing and Swallowing
In this week's blog post, we discuss two gifts many of us take for granted, the prevalence of eating disorders and tube feeding in children, and how exactly we chew and swallow.
The Impact of Sugar on Food Preferences
Have you ever wondered about how your child's food preferences are developed? Today, let's dive into one influential factor – sugar.
Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Development
In today's blog post, we underscore the vital significance of a diverse, nutritious diet for a child's development. We delve into the impact of nutrition on cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Research findings on nutrition's positive and negative effects across various developmental domains, including academics, mood, behavior, and language skills, are presented.
Foods Jags: What Are They and How to Prevent Them
In today’s blog post, we explore the concept of "food jags,” which occur when children become fixated on specific foods for an extended period, leaving parents puzzled. We discuss the the role of dopamine in food preferences and why children may suddenly reject once-loved items and provide strategies to prevent and address food jags, emphasizing the importance of fostering a diverse and nourishing diet for children.
7 Factors That Shape Children’s Food Preferences
In today's blog post, we delve into the intricate web of factors that impact a child's food preferences, discussing seven key influences that parents and caregivers should be aware of. Understanding these key influences is essential for parents and caregivers seeking to guide their young ones towards a positive and wholesome relationship with food.