Have mealtimes turned into a battleground at your house?  Many kids go through a "picky eater stage" between the ages of 2 and 4.  This is a very normal part of development. Typically children are trying to learn about their environment and finding ways to exert control.  Picking what they will eat is an easy way to gain control!  Sometimes kids won't grow out of this phase, or end up with a very limited diet.  Then its time to get help from a feeding therapist (typically an occupational or speech therapist). I have treated kids with feeding delays for the last 10 years.  I can tell you with absolute certainty that the earlier you get started with feeding therapy the quicker the progress.  There are a lot of different reasons kids might be picky.  The best thing to do is see a specialist who can help you sort it out. There are lots of strategies to help picky eaters move through this phase quickly.  There are also lots of resources and strategies to help problem feeders turn into happy eaters!

Here are some important questions to ask that will help distinguish the difference between a picky eater and a problem feeder:

• How many different foods will your child eat?
  • Picky eater=will eat at least 30 different foods
  • Problem feeder=typically restricts themselves to fewer than 20 foods
• Will your child eat food from all categories (sensory and nutrition)
  • Picky eater=eat at least one food from most food groups and textures groups (crunchy, smooth)
  • ​Problem feeder= Refuses to eat entire texture groups, color groups, or nutrition groups 
    • example: will not eat anything that is crunchy, or anything that is green, or any proteins 
• Can your child eat the same foods at the family
  • Picky eater=will eat different food than family but will eat at same time
  • ​Problem feeder=will eat different foods and often needs to eat at different time or place
• Will your child try new foods?
  • Picky eater=may need to be exposed multiple times but will eventually place in their mouth
  • ​Problem feeder=introduction of new foods results in meltdown/tantrum and complete refusal
• How long have your thought of your child as a "picky eater"
  • Picky eater=typically a phase that shouldn't last more than 3-6 months
  • ​Problem feeder=difficulties will be reported consistently to doctor; lasts for greater than a year

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If you have questions or want additional resources reach out to Dr. Kristen at 402-413-1356 or kristen@connectpediatrictherapy.com

Going back to school looks a lot different this year.  Many kids that would traditionally be heading back to school are instead doing remote learning.  In order for them to be as successful as possible it is important to set up their space to support his/her learning. Here are some helpful hints to think about.

• Have a dedicated space in the house for remote learning or home school.
  • If possible have a desk or table that can stay setup for learning
• Fit the space to your child's sensory needs
  • distracted visually= then the space should be free of clutter, blank walls
  • distracted by sound=quiet space, noise cancelling headphones
  • needs movement=standing desk (working at counter), sitting in rocking chair, frequent movement breaks built into learning time
  • access to crunchy and chewy snacks can be alerting and organizing
• Organized and predictable place for supplies
  • Have everything setup to eliminate wasted time looking for things
• Post a schedule and have a clock visible
  • Kids need to know what to expect and a clear beginning and end
• Let the child help design
  • ​This provides them with a sense of control in a time that feels out of control
    
• Fun school supplies
  • ​Having writing utensils or a fun notebook can be very motivational 
    
• Have access to comfortable headphones
  • Many kids are doing zoom calls-make sure they want to wear the headphones so they can be excited to participate instead of avoiding it

As many kids are headed back to school they will have one additional accessory this year; a mask.  This is an essential piece of their wardrobe in order to keep everyone as safe as possible.
This is a polarizing issue and people feel strongly about whether kids should or should not head back into classrooms.  I hold respect for people on both sides of this issue and respect that everyone needs to make the best decision for them.   My kids will be headed back to the classroom.  For our family, the educational and psychological benefits of being in a classroom with a teacher outweigh the risks of exposure.   This blog isn't about convincing anyone, but instead serves as a resource to help parents teach children to wear a mask. 
This virus is not going away anytime soon-so most likely no matter whether your children are headed back to the classroom or not; they need to learn to wear a mask. Wearing a mask for several hours can create sensory challenges.  Breathing is different, glasses fog up, the texture of the mask makes a difference, the mask "smells".  Whether your child has sensory processing difficulties or not, they need you to help them learn to wear the mask.  Here are some tips to help ease the transition.
1. Practice now

• Don't wait till the first day of school to have your child wear a mask for more than 15 minutes
• Have them wear it around the house or in community for several hours
• Use a timer and add several minutes each time

2. Practice what you preach

• Kids are watching-all family members need to wear the mask
• Talk to your kids about why they need to wear the mask-we take it for granted that they understand

3. Give kids power to choose

• Let kids try out several masks and pick the fabric that feels the best to them
• Add essential oils or sprinkle scant amount of spices on mask to add pleasurable smells
• Ask kids what bothers them and have them problem solve a solution (change the elastic on ear pieces, tighten it up so glasses don't fog up)

    **the more input your child has the greater the likelihood they are    
​    "buy in" and wear the mask


Have a great school year whether your child goes to school, home schools, or does remote learning....we wish you the best!

Let us know what other fun ideas you have for helping kids wear masks.