Feeding is a beast. The world of feeding is endless. Do you force-feed, play with food, allow dessert first, offer safe foods, or simply let the child be?
Food is essential for survival. It’s everywhere. But what do you do when there are aversions or limitations? That’s the big question.
The truth is, feeding is incredibly individualized. One child may do really well with eating their main meal first and then having dessert, while another may thrive with more autonomy and choice. And honestly, navigating feeding can be scary when nothing seems to be working. Especially when people tell you to just offer the food, and if the child doesn't eat, they eventually will. Unfortunately, that's not always true.
Feeding is a slow process. It takes patience, trust, and a willingness to explore different approaches. Sometimes, trying different strategies and finding ways to combine them is where progress begins. Can you incorporate food play, explore different textures, and eventually take bites together when the child is ready? Can you bring in a peer model, prepare food together, and take turns trying it? Or maybe you do your exposure in a new location, try it with novel individuals around, and celebrate from afar when you learn your child tried a new food.
There is hope. And sometimes, letting go of control is exactly when you begin to see progress. Other times, it's about finding the right professional who can help guide you through the complexities of feeding.
All I know is that exposure matters. Even when it feels like nothing is working, those tiny moments of interaction, exploration, and positive experiences with food can make a difference. Feeding progress isn't always measured by the number of bites taken. Sometimes, it's measured by the trust built, the willingness to explore, and the small counts that eventually lead to something bigger.
