Turkey Day Tips for a Fun & Festive Mealtime

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I’m Gwyn Joyce, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and I specialize in feeding support using a sensory based, responsive approach.

I have training in DIR Floortime, The Beckman Oral Motor Approach, The SOS Approach to Feeding, TOTs Training, AEIOU, The Sensorimotor Approach to Feeding, Adapted BLW, Interoception Training, and Food Scientist. I also lead Emerge’s Mealtime Support & Consulting program, if you are looking for more sensory-based mealtime support for a selective eater, or to help with challenging mealtime experiences.

I’m currently Emerge’s Feeding Team Lead, and Clinical Lead at Emerge in our Carrboro Clinic. I enjoy supporting and developing Emerge’s feeding therapists across our three clinic locations!

Let’s talk Turkey Day Tips!

Tip #1: Deconstruct Foods

Many of our Thanksgiving foods are mixed textures (think: casseroles, complicated desserts, etc.) which can be challenging for many kids from a visual and oral motor standpoint. Mixed textured foods are actually more challenging to break down from an oral motor perspective.

Plus, because of the special nature of the holiday, oftentimes Thanksgiving foods are foods that we are only seeing once a year and therefore can look very new!

If you deconstruct a food such as green bean casserole to be just green beans, or sweet potato casserole to just be mashed sweet potatoes this can make the meal a bit easier for a child to process.

Tip #2: Front-load your day with sensory input

Many times, providing increased regulating input can be helpful in allowing your child to pause and learn about foods presented. While you’re preparing foods during the day, invite your kiddo to join and get messy! Help smash potatoes or mix a salad – activities like this can help provide sensory support and make foods feel more familiar. With feeding and foods in general, safety and trust are the foundation.

To increase regulatory input, many times we are recommending proprioceptive input. This can look like animal walks, or helping to set the table by carrying items over, pushing in chairs, wiping down tables, etc.

Don’t be afraid to have fun with the holiday theme – you can turn your child into a pumpkin pie by using a pillow to squish “whipped cream” (figuratively) on top of them!

Tip #3: Decrease pressure about eating

Holiday meals can be challenging for a variety of reasons! One way to decrease stress is to decrease pressure – and who doesn’t benefit from that! Decreased pressure can increase safety and connection, which actually provides improved mealtime outcomes.

Pressure can be a question or a statement that suggests a child to try foods they aren’t sure about. By making sure your child has preferred foods to select this can increase their regulation and make them feel heard and supported.

If you need an extra bit at the table – check out our brand new Thanksgiving themed placemats below!

A couple more before you go…

Have a napkin you can place over top of non-preferred foods at the table. This helps with keeping the sight and smell from potentially dysregulating foods.
Allow space and sensory breaks for your child to explore food, while also staying in tune with their body and their cues.
Let your child use two plates OR our holiday placemat: This leaves a space for familiar foods, and a space for unfamiliar foods.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re a parent or caregiver who needs some ’round the table support, let’s chat about your selective eater. Reach out to Emerge Pediatric Therapy so we can get connected to see if Mealtime Support and Consulting is the right fit for you.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving with festive fun and full bellies!