Is My Child’s Picky Eating a Cause for Concern?
Are you worried that your child’s eating habits may be limiting their nutrition and development? For some children, mealtimes can be filled with stress or resistance. Your child might:
- Avoid certain foods because of texture, color, or smell
- Refuse to sit at the table or become upset during meals
- Eat only a few preferred foods
- Struggle to chew or use utensils
- Get anxious around unfamiliar foods
If this sounds familiar, the Get Permission Approach to Feeding Challenges can help your child feel more relaxed and successful with food.
Our Approach: The Get Permission Method
All members of our occupational therapy team are trained in the Get Permission Approach to Feeding Challenges—a nationally recognized, relationship-based method that helps children learn to eat in a positive, pressure-free way.
Through this approach, we:
- Support children in feeling safe exploring new foods
- Use play and sensory experiences to build confidence
- Strengthen oral-motor and self-feeding skills
- Coach parents to create calm, supportive mealtime routines
- Instead of focusing on “getting kids to eat,” we focus on helping them feel comfortable and capable around food
Who We Help
Our occupational therapists work with children who:
- Are anxious or highly selective eaters
- Experience sensory sensitivities that impact eating
- Struggle with mealtime participation or routine
- Have difficulty chewing, tolerating mess, or using utensils
(Note: Our team does not treat swallowing or medical feeding disorders.)
What Feeding Therapy Looks Like
Every child’s feeding therapy plan is individualized and play-based. Sessions may include:
- Exploration of foods through touch, smell, and play
- Sensory activities that promote curiosity and flexibility
- Strategies for parents to reduce mealtime stress
- Collaboration with teachers and caregivers for consistency
Progress happens step-by-step, at your child’s pace, with encouragement—not pressure.
Start the Journey Toward Positive Mealtimes
If your child’s food challenges are making mealtimes stressful, we can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about our occupational therapy for feeding challenges.
