Navigating the Holidays with Feeding Challenges: A Guide for Families
The holiday season brings joy, togetherness – and often stress for families navigating feeding challenges. Large gatherings, unfamiliar foods, and heightened expectations can create challenges for parents and children alike. With preparation and flexibility, you can help your child feel supported while enjoying the holiday spirit.
– Plan ahead by communicating with hosts, let them know about your child’s needs in advance and share a few foods your child will eat and ask if they can include these.
– Packing some of your child’s preferred foods or snacks is a good idea to ensure they have something safe and comfortable to eat.
– Prepare your child by talking about the event, the people attending, and the food they might see to help reduce anxiety.
Large gatherings can be overwhelming, and holidays are not the time to promote new foods, so stick to what’s familiar to keep your child at ease. Use this time to focus on connections and enjoy time with loved ones. If your child does try a new food or simply stays calm at the table, that’s a success!
Incorporate fun, low-pressure exposure by engaging your child in holiday-themed food activities like decorating cookies or arranging veggies in festive shapes. This will help to build positive associations without the pressure to eat.
Well-meaning comments like “just take one bite” can increase stress, so be sure to let family members know how to support your approach to feeding and set boundaries early. It is a good idea to have calm, prepared responses ready if someone comments on your child’s eating, such as “We’re focusing on building positive experiences with food right now.”
Remember to be kind to yourself. Supporting children with feeding challenges is hard work, so give yourself grace and permission to step away if you need a break. Holidays are about connection, not perfection. By planning ahead, advocating for your child, and focusing on low-pressure strategies, you can make the season joyful for your family.
Rebecca Barnard