I am always, always delighted when a fussy child is able to eat something new that previously would have been a challenge. It’s the reason I work long hours, nights and weekends. It’s why I wrote Creating Confident Eaters and is what has me leaping out of bed at 5.15am (well, mostly!). My goal is for every child to be able to approach food from a place of safety and joy, not fear.
There are certain times though when a story touches me on an even deeper level. Phillippa very kindly gave me permission to share a little of hers.
Phillippa’s story
Her son is 9 and being autistic has a lot of challenges around foods and textures (80% of children on the spectrum struggle to eat variety). He is stuck on a selection of foods and finds new things really difficult.
Phillippa received one of my books as a gift from her mum. She also attended one of my webinars. Based on the information from the combination of the two she was empowered and determined to support her son to tackle some new foods.
I was so delighted to hear that jam sandwiches are now on the menu. It may not sound like much (although I know a LOT of families who would be so delighted if sandwiches were a yes) but having another option – and one that can go in the lunchbox is huge.
Toast to bread!
As her son was happy with toast, Phillippa gradually made it softer and softer and it scaffolded the move from toast to bread. Genius!
Creating Confident Eaters
For ideas, strategies and practical things to do at home that really work check out Creating Confident Eaters.
Judith is an AOTA accredited picky eating advisor and internationally certified nutritional therapist. She works with 100+ families every year resolving fussy eating and returning pleasure and joy to the meal table.