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Category: Parenting

Transforming Pediatric Care with Galileo KIDS

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Revolutionizing Pediatric Therapy: Introducing Galileo KIDS

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we’re dedicated to providing the most innovative tools and techniques to help children reach their full potential. That’s why we’re excited to offer Galileo KIDS, a cutting-edge therapy device designed to support children across multiple developmental and therapeutic goals. Whether your child is working on physical, occupational, or speech therapy, this technology can be a game-changer!

What is Galileo KIDS?

Galileo KIDS is a whole-body vibration therapy platform specifically designed for children. This scientifically developed device uses side-alternating oscillations to mimic natural movement patterns, engaging muscles and stimulating the neuromuscular system. The platform is customizable, allowing therapists to adjust the intensity to meet the specific needs of each child.

Originally developed for medical and therapeutic use, the Galileo system has been backed by extensive research demonstrating its effectiveness in:

  • Improving muscle strength and tone
  • Enhancing balance and coordination
  • Supporting bone density and joint flexibility
  • Boosting circulation and reducing spasticity

This evidence-based approach makes it an invaluable tool across various therapy disciplines.

How is Galileo KIDS Used in Therapy?

Physical Therapy:
The Galileo KIDS is a powerful tool for building strength and mobility. It activates the stretch reflex, a natural muscle contraction, at a much faster rate than traditional exercise. This can help children:

  • Develop core strength and stability
  • Improve balance and gait/walking patterns
  • Enhance flexibility and range of motion/movement
  • Manage conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or hypotonia

Occupational Therapy:
For children working on fine motor and sensory integration, the Galileo KIDS provides unique opportunities for growth. The gentle vibrations help:

  • Regulate sensory processing and calm overstimulation
  • Improve hand-eye coordination through targeted activities
  • Strengthen hand, wrist, and shoulder muscles critical for daily tasks like writing, dressing, or eating

Speech Therapy:
While vibration therapy might not seem directly tied to speech, it can play an essential role in improving motor control and posture, which are foundational for effective communication. Therapists use Galileo KIDS to:

  • Enhance core strength for better breath control and vocal projection
  • Address oral motor coordination through improved posture and alignment
  • Support neurological pathways critical for speech and language development

Why Choose Galileo KIDS for Your Child?

The benefits of Galileo KIDS go beyond its cutting-edge technology. It’s:

  • Engaging: Children enjoy the dynamic, interactive nature of the platform.
  • Time-Efficient: Sessions are short but highly effective, with benefits often noticeable after just a few uses.
  • Safe: Built with children in mind, Galileo KIDS offers gentle yet impactful therapy tailored to each child’s age and ability.
  • Versatile: With applications across multiple therapy disciplines, it provides a holistic approach to supporting your child’s development.

Research-Backed Results

Studies have shown that whole-body vibration therapy can improve strength, bone density, and motor function in children with neuromuscular disorders and other developmental challenges. Its proven ability to enhance sensory processing and reduce spasticity makes it a trusted tool in modern pediatric therapy.

Experience Galileo KIDS at Carolina Therapy Connection

We’re proud to bring this innovative therapy device to our clinic. Whether your child is working on gross motor skills, fine motor coordination, or speech development, Galileo KIDS offers a fun, effective way to support their journey.  This service is covered under insurance when used as part of a therapeutic treatment program.

Ready to learn how Galileo KIDS can benefit your child? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see this remarkable tool in action. Together, we’ll help your child grow stronger, more confident, and ready to take on the world!

 

Promoting Early Language Development (1-3 Years Old): A Guide for Parents

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Effective Strategies for Promoting Early Language Development in Toddlers (1-3 Years)

As a parent, one of the most exciting milestones you’ll witness is when your little one starts to babble, form their first words, and eventually begin to combine words into sentences. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 experience a tremendous growth spurt in their language skills, and you, as a caregiver, play a crucial role in nurturing this development. Incorporating simple, everyday activities into your routine can foster your child’s communication abilities while strengthening your bond.

1. Model Simple, Repetitive Language

Language development begins with exposure; repetition is key to helping young children understand and start using words. By consistently repeating words, phrases, or sounds, you provide a model for your child to mimic. For example, when your child points to a ball, you could say, “Ball! Throw the ball.” By using the same word or phrase in similar contexts, your child will start to associate words with their meanings.

Tip for Parents: When playing, model simple sentences like, “I see the car. The car is red,” and repeat the words often to help your child start using them on their own.

2. Expand on Your Child’s Vocalizations and Verbalizations

Children naturally start to make sounds and babble, and it’s essential to expand on these early attempts at communication. If your child says “ba-ba” while playing with a ball, you can develop by saying, “Yes, that’s the ball!” or “Throw the ball to me!” This teaches your child to use more complex sentences and promotes vocabulary growth.

Tip for Parents: Note your child’s attempts to communicate, whether it’s a sound, word, or gesture, and repeat it with added detail or context to reinforce language skills.

3. Use Gestures to Support Understanding

Before children develop verbal skills, they often rely on gestures to communicate. By supporting these gestures with corresponding words, you help children make the connection between their physical actions and the words that describe them. For example, if your child raises their arms to be picked up, you can say, “Up! You want to go up!” This helps them link gestures with language.

Tip for Parents: Encourage your child to use gestures such as pointing, waving, or clapping, and always reinforce those gestures with words to help them connect physical actions with language.

4. Joint Attention: Share the Moment

Joint attention refers to the shared focus of two people on an object or activity. It’s an essential part of early language development because it helps children learn how to communicate about things they’re interested in. Whether it’s a toy, a picture, or a family pet, showing your child that you’re both looking at the same thing helps build their understanding of communication and strengthens your connection.

Tip for Parents: Use eye contact, point to objects, and narrate what’s happening in your child’s environment. For example, “Look at the dog! The dog is running!” This reinforces language development and creates meaningful moments of connection.

5. Engage in Interactive Activities

Interactive activities, such as reading, singing, and playing, are vital for boosting language development. Picture books are especially effective for introducing new words and concepts. Singing simple songs with repetition, like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” helps your child learn words through rhythm and melody. Turn-taking games also help develop social communication skills.

Tip for Parents: Incorporate songs, books, and games into your daily routine. For example, during bath time, you can sing a song like “Rub-a-dub-dub, it’s time for a scrub!” to make the experience engaging and language-rich.

6. Narrate Actions and Label Objects

Narrating actions involves describing what you or your child are doing in the moment. This could be anything from “You’re putting the blocks in the box” to “I’m washing your hair.” It helps children understand the connection between words and actions and enhances their vocabulary.

Tip for Parents: Label everyday objects around the house, like “This is a spoon” or “The dog is running.” The more words your child hears, the more likely they will begin using them themselves.

7. Reflect and Support Your Role

Early language development takes time and practice. As a parent, it’s essential to reflect on your child’s progress and feel confident in your role as their primary language facilitator. Incorporating the above strategies into everyday activities will help ensure steady development, but remember that every child develops at their own pace.

Tip for Parents: Keep a journal of your child’s language milestones and celebrate each step along the way. If you have any concerns, discuss them with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for guidance and support.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help with Early Language Development

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we specialize in early language development and offer programs designed to support parents and caregivers in nurturing their children’s communication skills. Our team of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provides one-on-one coaching sessions and tailored guidance to help you implement effective language strategies in your everyday routines.

Whether through interactive activities, practical tips, or personalized support, we’re here to empower you as your child’s primary language facilitator. If you’re interested in learning more about Early Language Development and how we incorporate different treatment plans into therapy, including intensives, please feel free to contact us to schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore more about our pediatric intensive therapy services.

 

Baby Bootcamp (Birth-1 Year)

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Baby Bootcamp: Enhancing Early Communication for Infants (Birth–1 Year)

The first year of a baby’s life brings remarkable growth and development, especially in communication. Early language experiences form the foundation for future speech, learning, social interaction, and cognitive development. At Carolina Therapy Connection, we prioritize early communication skills, which is why we offer Baby Bootcamp, a specialized early intervention program for infants and their families.

What is Baby Bootcamp?

Baby Bootcamp is an intensive, parent-focused therapy program that supports optimal language development during the first year of life. The program serves infants, particularly those with medical conditions that may affect speech and language development as they grow.

Through Baby Bootcamp, parents learn practical strategies and gain the confidence to actively support their baby’s communication development. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) lead the program and tailor it to each baby’s unique needs. Parents receive education, hands-on strategies, and daily coaching to help create a language-rich environment that supports natural communication growth.

 

Key Strategies for Encouraging Early Communication

 

  1. Verbal Modeling: Baby Bootcamp emphasizes frequent verbal modeling as a core strategy. Parents talk to their babies throughout the day using simple words, phrases, and short sentences. By narrating daily activities and experiences, parents help their babies connect sounds with meaning and build early language comprehension.
  2. Encouraging Babbling: Babbling plays a critical role in early language development. SLPs coach parents to encourage vocal play through fun, back-and-forth sound exchanges. These interactions promote early conversational turn-taking and strengthen a baby’s understanding that communication involves shared interaction.
  3. Using Visual Supports & Gestures: Babies understand gestures and visual cues long before they begin to speak. Baby Bootcamp teaches parents to use gestures such as pointing, waving, and showing objects or pictures. These strategies help babies link language with meaning and support early comprehension.
  4. Daily Routines as Learning Opportunities: Everyday routines such as feeding, diaper changes, and playtime offer powerful opportunities for language learning. Parents learn how to embed language-building strategies into these moments, strengthening joint attention and encouraging early social engagement.

 

Milestone Tracking & Personalized Feedback

Baby Bootcamp includes milestone tracking, which allows parents to monitor their child’s progress and identify any areas that may need additional support. Through regular assessments and personalized feedback from SLPs, parents can better understand their baby’s unique needs and feel empowered to provide targeted language interventions.

 

Why Early Language Development Matters

The first year of life is a critical period for language development, and the foundation laid during this time can significantly impact future language and communication skills. Children who experience delays in communication during this stage may face challenges in speech, reading, and social interactions later in life. By focusing on early intervention and active participation, Baby Bootcamp ensures that parents are equipped to help their children reach their language milestones.

 

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, our team of experienced speech-language pathologists is dedicated to providing individualized therapy programs like Baby Bootcamp. Our therapists work closely with parents to provide education, personalized strategies, and ongoing support to ensure that each child’s language development is on track. If you have concerns about your baby’s communication skills, our Baby Bootcamp can provide the guidance you need.

If you’re interested in learning more about Baby Bootcamp and how we incorporate this approach into therapy, including intensives, please feel free to reach out to us to schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore more about our pediatric intensive therapy services.

 

Exciting News! Carolina Therapy Connection Brings Pediatric Therapy and Mental Health Services to Morehead City

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Exciting News: Carolina Therapy Connection Opens New Clinic in Morehead City!

Carolina Therapy Connection proudly announces the opening of our new clinic in the heart of Carteret County, expanding access to quality care for our community. Located at 4251 Arendell St., Suite E, in Morehead City, this new facility allows us to serve both children and adults with a wide range of therapy services.

Services We Provide in Morehead City:

At our Morehead City location, we offer comprehensive therapy services designed to support individuals across the lifespan.

We’re excited to serve the Carteret County community with high-quality therapy services and provide compassionate care for children, adolescents, and adults.

Now Offering Extended Hours for Mental Wellness in Morehead City

We understand that busy schedules can make therapy access challenging. To better support our community, we now offer extended hours and Saturday appointments for mental health counseling. Whether your child needs after-school therapy or you prefer evening sessions, we offer immediate openings to fit your schedule.

Morehead City Clinic Features:

Our Morehead City clinic features state-of-the-art therapy spaces, including:

 

  • Private treatment rooms for occupational, physical, and speech therapy.

 

  • A fully equipped kitchen area for feeding therapy sessions to help children with eating challenges.

  • Private counseling rooms for mental health sessions, ensuring a comfortable and confidential environment for all ages.

 

Get Started with Carolina Therapy Connection Today!

We’re proud to join the Carteret County community and create a welcoming space where families feel supported throughout their therapy journey. If you’re seeking therapy services in the Morehead City area, our team is here to help.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, contact us today. We look forward to supporting you and your family!

Empowering Parents and Caregivers of Support needs Children: The Impact of Mental Health and Peer Support

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Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and growth, and raising a child with support needs adds unique demands and rewards. Parents often juggle specialist appointments, advocate for services, research treatments, manage added expenses, and care for their own well-being, making it no surprise they’re often called superheroes.

Understanding the Challenges

Parents and Caregivers of support needs children face many challenges that can affect how they feel:

  • Chronic Stress: Attending multiple doctor and specialty visits, therapy sessions, school meetings, and daily care routines can be challenging.
  • Emotional Impact: Parents of children with support needs often feel guilt, frustration, worry, or isolation. They may struggle with a lack of support or finding others who understand their situation. Social events can be challenging due to their child’s unique needs, and they may experience grief over a different parenting journey than they had imagined.
  • Financial Pressure: Special treatments and therapies can be costly and not always covered by insurance, adding even more stress.
  • Navigating Systems: It’s hard to know where to receive support, understand the different available services’ processes, and get timely and accessible services.

The Role of Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health matters, even when caregiving feels overwhelming, we can’t pour from an empty cup.
Supporting yourself models strength, resilience, and healthy habits for your children. Even superheroes need support. 💙

  • Managing Stress: Learning stress tools helps you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting in tough moments.
  • Emotional Support: A trusted person to listen, comfort, or encourage can make all the difference.
  • Self-Care: Simple, realistic self-care helps you stay present and grounded during stressful times.
  • Building Resilience: Self-awareness and support build emotional strength, adding tools to your superhero toolkit.

The Power of Peer Support

Talking to other parents and caregivers who are going through similar situations can help:

  • Shared Experiences: Connecting with other parents and caregivers who understand what you’re going through can encourage connection and help you feel less isolated.
  • Practical Tips: Other parents and caregivers can give guidance based on their own experiences that might help you or lead you to additional resources. It’s important for superheroes to come together when needed. 
  • Feeling Empowered: Knowing that other parents and caregivers support you can boost your confidence and give you inspiration. 

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we know how important mental health and support are for parents and caregivers of support needs children. Here’s what we offer:

  • Free 15-Minute Screening: Call us to set up a free 15-minute talk with one of our counselors. It can help you decide if therapy might be helpful for you.
  • Therapy that Fits You: Our counselors are experts at helping parents with treatments that work and are tailored just for you.
  • Peer Support Groups: Join other parents and caregivers like you in groups where you can share stories, learn, and support each other. 

Supporting families means caring for both children and caregivers by prioritizing mental health, connection, and shared strength.

 

Contact Carolina Therapy Connection at 252-341-9944 or visit carolinatherapyconnection.com to learn more.

 

What is Play Therapy in a Mental Health Setting? 

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Play Therapy is a type of therapy that uses play to help children understand and deal with their emotions and problems. It’s a natural way for kids to express themselves and work through issues they may face. In a mental health setting, Play Therapy can be very helpful in addressing various psychological problems, offering many benefits for young patients.

 

 

Appropriate Age Range for Play Therapy

Play Therapy is usually for children aged 3 to 12 years. However, it can also be adapted for older children and teens who may benefit from additional support. This flexibility makes Play Therapy accessible and useful for different age groups, ensuring that each child gets the support they need in a way that works for them.

Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?

Play Therapy can help children with many emotional and behavioral problems, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Behavioral disorders
  • ADHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Social and relationship issues
  • Grief and loss

Children can deal with complex emotions and experiences by playing in a safe and supportive environment. This therapy is also great for kids who may struggle to talk about their feelings, as it lets them communicate through play.

The Process of Play Therapy

The Play Therapy process has several stages, each tailored to the child’s needs:

  1. Assessment: The therapist first understands the child’s needs, behaviors, and family situation.
  2. Building Rapport: Creating a trusting relationship between the therapist and the child is crucial. We do this through engaging, non-directive play.
  3. Therapeutic Play Sessions: In these sessions, the child can play with various toys and materials. The therapist watches and interacts, using specific techniques to address the child’s problems.
  4. Parental Involvement: Parents or caregivers are often involved in the therapy process, receiving guidance to support the therapy at home.
  5. Evaluation and Progress Monitoring: The counselor regularly checks the child’s progress and adjusts the therapy as needed.

Positive Impact on Mental Health

Play Therapy provides deep insights into a child’s emotional world and helps them develop healthier coping skills. It builds resilience, enhances emotional intelligence, and improves problem-solving abilities. By working through their issues in a playful and non-threatening way, children can achieve significant psychological growth and stability.

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we understand how powerful Play Therapy can be. Our team of skilled mental wellness counselors is here to support your child’s mental health journey. Additionally, we offer free screenings to help determine if Play Therapy is the right fit for your child. Contact us today to schedule a screening and take the first step toward your child’s mental well-being.

 

The Benefits of Teletherapy in Mental Health Settings

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Teletherapy has become very popular in recent years. It uses technology to provide mental health services through video calls, phone calls, or online chats. This method makes getting help easier for many people. In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of teletherapy, who can use it, and how it can help everyone.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy, or online therapy, lets you talk to a counselor from home using your computer or phone. This means you don’t have to travel to a counselor’s office to get help.

Benefits of Online Therapy

  1. Accessibility and Convenience: Online therapy makes it easier to get help no matter where you live or how busy you are. You can have therapy sessions from home, work, or any private place.
  2. Comfort and Privacy: Being in your own space can make it easier to talk and open up during therapy. Teletherapy also keeps your therapy sessions private since you don’t have to go to an office.
  3. Flexibility: You can schedule therapy sessions at times that work best for you, including evenings and weekends.
  4. Continuity of Care: If you travel a lot or have a busy schedule, teletherapy allows you to keep having regular sessions with your therapist, no matter where you are.
  5. Reduced Stigma: Some feel embarrassed about visiting a counselor’s office. Virtual sessions can help reduce this embarrassment and make it easier to seek help.

Who Can Benefit from Virtual Sessions?

Teletherapy is great for many different people, including:

  • Busy Professionals: People with demanding jobs can easily fit virtual sessions into their schedules.
  • Parents and Caregivers: Teletherapy allows parents and caregivers to get support without needing to find someone to watch their kids.
  • Individuals with Mobility Issues: Teletherapy is perfect for people with difficulty traveling due to physical disabilities or chronic illnesses.
  • Rural Residents: People living in remote areas can get mental health services that are unavailable nearby.
  • Students: College students can fit virtual sessions into their busy academic schedules.
  • Anyone Seeking Convenience: Virtual sessions are ideal for anyone who wants ease of getting therapy from home.

 

How Teletherapy Benefits the Everyday Person

Teletherapy can help people improve their mental health every day. It makes getting support easier, more flexible, and more private. Virtual sessions help people take care of their mental health without dealing with the challenges of traditional therapy.

 

How can Carolina Therapy Connection help?

Meet Imani Rodriguez; she is here to explain the benefits of online therapy for all ages!

 

We can help by setting up a free screening with one of our mental wellness counselors to get started! At Carolina Therapy Connection, we offer high-quality teletherapy services that fit into your life. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual session options and take the first step toward better mental health.

 

Nurturing Mental Wellness in Children: The Vital Role of Pediatric Therapy

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In today’s fast-paced world, children face many challenges that can impact their mental well-being. From academic pressures to social dynamics, the stressors they encounter can take a toll on their emotional health. As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to recognize the signs of mental distress in children and provide them with the necessary support to thrive.

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we understand the importance of nurturing childhood mental wellness from an early age. Our comprehensive counseling services are designed to address various issues, empowering children to develop coping mechanisms and build resilience for life’s challenges.

Understanding Childhood Mental Wellness

Childhood is a crucial period for mental development. It’s a time when children form their perceptions of the world and learn how to navigate their emotions. However, factors such as family dynamics, peer relationships, academic pressures, and societal expectations can influence their mental health.

As children grow and develop, they may encounter difficulties that affect their emotional well-being. These challenges can manifest in various ways, including:

  1. Behavioral Changes
  2. Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, withdrawal, or aggression, may indicate underlying emotional struggles.
  3. Academic Decline
  4. Difficulty concentrating, declining academic performance, or reluctance to attend school could be signs of anxiety or other mental health issues.
  5. Physical Symptoms
  6. Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical complaints without underlying medical causes may be linked to stress or emotional distress.

Recognizing these signs early on is crucial for addressing children’s mental health needs and preventing further complications.

The Role of Pediatric Therapy in Promoting Mental Wellness

Pediatric therapy plays a vital role in supporting children’s mental wellness. Our team of skilled therapy providers specializes in working with children and adolescents, providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to express their thoughts and feelings.

Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each child’s unique needs, we help them:

  1. Develop Coping Skills
  2. Children learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
  3. Build Resilience
  4. Children develop resilience to bounce back from setbacks and adversities by fostering a sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy.
  5. Improve Communication
  6. Effective communication is key to expressing emotions and resolving conflicts. Our therapists help children improve their communication skills, both verbally and non-verbally.
  7. Strengthen Relationships

Healthy relationships are fundamental to children’s well-being. We work with families to improve communication and strengthen familial bonds.

Promoting Childhood Mental Wellness for a Brighter Future

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive emotionally and socially. Promoting mental wellness from an early age lays the foundation for healthier, happier futures.

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being or want to learn more about our counseling services, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced pediatric therapists.

Together, we can empower children to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and live fulfilling lives. Let’s work together to nurture their mental wellness and unlock their full potential.

 

Not Your Average Toy!

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Not Your Average Toy offers a transformative approach to pediatric therapy, catering to the different needs of our pediatric patients in occupational, speech, and physical therapy within our clinic. These specialized toys aren’t just playthings; they motivate children to develop essential skills like fine motor control, visual perceptual abilities, grasping techniques, following multistep directions, stimulating ‘what’ questions, fostering color and shape recognition, encouraging problem-solving, and refining hand-eye coordination. What makes these toys exceptional is their unique ability to grasp the children’s attention while integrating therapeutic goals into engaging activities tailored to each child’s journey toward progress and achievement. Check out some of our favorite “Not average toys!” 

Examples of Not Your Average Toy:

Water Beads: 

What sets water beads apart? Water beads stand out for their fun way of developmental skills. They offer an enjoyable sensory and messy play while enhancing color recognition and sorting abilities. These beads serve as a tool for reaching milestones. Children can play by using a spoon for scooping into a cup, counting exercises, and even hiding items like toy fish or other objects within the beads to engage both hands in a tactile search. These toys facilitate various developmental goals, from color recognition and sorting to refining fine motor skills, in-hand manipulation, bilateral coordination, and sensory play. They also stimulate counting skills and engage in figure-ground activities.

 

Building Blocks: 

Building blocks are known for making a tower and watching it fall, but did you know that they offer various developmental opportunities? These square toys build structures with two hands, allowing a child to work towards bilateral coordination, midline crossing, and fine motor skills. Playing with blocks can also help with color recognition, shape learning, spatial orientation, and teaching concepts through block positions. 

Building blocks can also help with emotional regulation. If a task is challenging or the tower does not stay quite the way intended, this is an excellent opportunity to discuss the feelings raised and allow your child to have a voice.   

 

Puzzles: 

Puzzles are a fun, versatile learning tool for children. They can help children learn about shapes and colors, expand their vocabulary, and identify different types of animals. Puzzles also help children learn to act like put in and take out. You can add a multi-step direction to make a puzzle more challenging, like putting the cow and horse puzzle pieces together in their correct spot. For more engaging questions, ask your child, “What does a cow say?” or “Where is the cow?” Puzzle helps achieve milestones that involve enhancing visual perceptual skills, grasping technique, mastering multi-step directions, and developing problem-solving abilities. 

 

How can Carolina Therapy Connection Help? 

At CTC, we are committed to supporting our families and the child’s developmental journey and helping them achieve these goals at home. Please explore our website (https://www.carolinatherapyconnection.com/) or our Amazon Storefront (https://www.amazon.com/shop/carolinatherapyconnection). These are not your average toys; they are carefully innovative toys that can help foster growth and development. To further understand these toys’ impact, ask your therapist if you can sit in during a session. By watching the interaction between the child playing and the therapist, parents can gain insights into how effective these tools can be and bring these Not Your Average Toys into their home.

 

By: Lauren Hodges, COTA/L, and Allison Hicks

Mealtime Tips For Your Picky Eater

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Why Is Mealtime So Important For Children?

The 3 most important things for humans to survive is: food, water and oxygen. For some parents, the concern for their kiddos health and well-being becomes heightened when they notice their kiddo isn’t eating as much food or as many types of foods as they may have at one time. Some kiddos who are referred to Occupational Therapy are considered “Picky Eaters” and others may be referred to as a “Problem Feeder”. We all know a picky eater. This is a person/kiddo who has at least 30 foods in their repertoire. Whereas a “Problem Feeder” is a person/kiddo who has less than 20 foods in their repertoire. There are many reasons this could happen such as trauma, sensory related challenges, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and more. As Occupational Therapists, we are trained to assist these kiddos by addressing these challenges which can increase their tolerance for trying new foods! Keep reading to learn more picky eater tips we have below!

So why is MEALTIME so important to assist with this?

One of the first things we will ask as OTRs or COTAs is “What does mealtime look like at home?” Some parents may say, 

“We all sit down as a family every night for dinner but we are busy or gone for breakfast and lunch”, “We are so busy that we are lucky to eat all at the same time”, or “(The child) eats all day but won’t eat the food I cook at dinner”. Of course these are just examples, but can you relate to any of them? It’s a possibility! 

Asking about mealtimes is very important to your therapist because this gives us an idea of how your child eats during the day. Kiddos need fuel to keep their bodies going. However, WHAT they are taking in and HOW/WHEN they are taking it in will make a huge difference in behavior, attention, ability to process/retain information and regulate emotions/emotional responses. To give you an idea of why the “what”, “how” and “when” are so important, I’ll follow up on the questions above.

1. “We all sit down as a family every night for dinner but we are busy or gone for breakfast and lunch”

This could be a beneficial time to incorporate feeding techniques and build interest in the foods around the table. Interest always comes before action. A child must first be interested in the food before they will interact with it. This is one reason that mealtime is so important for kiddos. It can be an opportunity to build interest in various smells, sights, and textures of foods provided by parents in a supportive and positive manner.

2. “We are so busy that we are lucky to eat all at the same time”

How can you work your schedule to have a least one meal together every other day? We understand that this busy world requires busy people to keep it going. However, when you are overwhelmed and exhausted your child may pick up on that. Children are very intuitive. Incorporating as many mealtimes as possible may assist with parent/child interaction and decreasing anxiety and overwhelming emotions in adults which can in turn make eating less stressful for a “picky eater”.

3. “(The child) eats all day but won’t eat the food I cook at dinner”

Grazing is when a kiddo eating little snacks all throughout the day. Have you ever seen a child leave a snack on the table, go play for 30 minutes, then return to finish the snack? If your child is doing this all day, it may explain why they are not eating at mealtimes. Typically, the brain lets us know when we need to refuel because the digestive system sends signals saying, “I’m empty in here!”. When grazing, a child’s brain will begin to have a hard time distinguishing when the child is hungry due to constantly having food in the digestive system. This can effect metabolism and the ability to regulate hunger. When given mealtimes, the body has time to regulate, digest and filter out what it needs for fuel. Additionally, if given processed snacks that are high in sugar or carbohydrates throughout the day, the body will begin to crave them. This can create a difficult loop to break when introducing thing like vegetables, meats and some fruits. Positive interactions at mealtimes can assist with parent/child interactions, lowering anxiety and stress levels, giving the child’s body time to process what it needs for fuel and providing learning opportunities for the sensory system. This can be a major changing factor in how your child engages with food! 

Additional Mealtime Picky Eater Tips

Picky Eater Tips #1: Don’t force foods on children

As parents, we want our children to eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and other healthy snacks to help them grow to be strong and healthy. Studies show that forcing a child to sit and eat until they have cleared their entire plate is not the best method for achieving this goal. Instead, parents should promote foods that may have not been a hit the first time around. You can model this yourself by trying a food you haven’t liked in the past, and explain that you’re giving it another chance because your tastes may have changed. We want to show kids that we are adaptable. Remember: It can take as many as 10 or more times tasting a food before a toddler’s taste buds accept it. 

Picky Eater Tips #2: Get Creative With Food Bingo

You can also put together a list of new foods for the family to try and make a game out of it—what will we try tonight? You can make it interactive and fun by doing something creative like Food Bingo. There are many free printable online similar to the image shown below. You can even make your own! Hang it on the fridge and have your child place a sticker or check off the new foods they have tried. You can even add in a reward for them getting “bingo” – a trip to their favorite place, a new toy, a play date, or something else they really enjoy!

Food Bingo

Picky Eater Tips #3: Don’t Make a Second Meal

When you serve a meal to your family and your kiddo refuses to eat it, we recommend having simple and consistent back up options, such as yogurt, a cheese, nut & fruit snack pack, apple sauce, cereal etc. It’s important for children to know that if they can not eat the meal you have prepared, they will receive the standard option – rather than the usual chicken nuggets baked quickly in the oven. We should also teach kids that a meal isn’t ruined if it comes in contact with something they don’t like. Finding an unwanted pickle on your cheeseburger will not contaminate it. Children should be encouraged to push food they don’t like off to the side, or onto another plate, or offer to share it with someone else.

Picky Eater Tips #4: Involve Your Kiddo in the Meal Prep Process

Some cooking tasks are perfect for toddlers and small children (with supervision, of course): sifting, stirring, counting ingredients, picking fresh herbs from a garden or windowsill, and “painting” on cooking oil with a pastry brush. Allowing our children to interact with the foods they are going to eat will help to promote and encourage them to try it!

Picky Eater Tips #5: Food Chaining

Once your kiddo tries a new food and that food is accepted, use what one our Occupational Therapist’s favorite pickle eater tips call “food chaining” to introduce others with similar color, flavor and texture to help expand variety in what your child will eat. Children with sensory concerns have difficulty with leaping from the types of food they are willing/able to eat. Food chaining builds a bridge to get to those foods you really want your child to eat one step at a time through links to food they’re already eating. Examples include:

  • If your child likes pumpkin pie, for example, try mashed sweet potatoes and then mashed carrots.
  • If your child loves pretzels, try veggie straws next, and then move on to baby carrots or carrot sticks. Carrots are hard, crunchy, and stick shaped, but are cold and have a different taste.
  • If your child loves French Fries, then give a try to Zucchini fries.
  • Move from cookies to Fig Newtons, to jam toast, to jam sandwich, to bread with sliced strawberries, and lastly to fresh strawberries
  • If chicken nuggets are the fan favorite, try to first change the brand of nuggets, then move to homemade chicken nuggets, then to homemade tenders, and lastly to a baked chicken breast.
  • Maybe your kiddo love goldfish crackers. Next give Cheeze Itz a try, and then move on to saltine crackers, and lastly to saltines with cheese slices.

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

In addition to utilizing the tips above at home, we know that sometimes children need an extra push to expand their food repertoire. At Carolina Therapy Connection, our occupational and speech therapists provide feeding therapy that uses a collaborative approach to work closely with you and your child to determine the source of a child’s feeding difficulties, and develop specific intervention plans to make the entire eating process easier and more enjoyable. Often times, feeding therapy happens on a weekly basis and may consist of working on difficulty with trying new foods, chewing, swallowing, sensory issues, irritability at meal time and so much more. Our goals are to broaden your child’s scope of foods, teach them the benefits of healthy eating, and develop oral motor skills needed for optimal growth and nutrition.

Our Occupational Therapists take a sensory-based feeding approach to therapy.  They focus on: oral motor skills, sensory sensitivities, progressing through food textures, and using adaptive equipment and tools to develop self-feeding skills. They also use a process called food chaining, which is a child-friendly treatment approach that helps introduce new foods while building on the child’s past successful eating experiences. In this process, the child is presented with new foods that may be similar in taste, temperature, or texture to foods the child already likes and accepts. Our occupational therapists are certified in the SOS Feeding Approach, a nationally and internationally recognized approach for assessing and treating children with feeding difficulties.

Our feeding therapists have 15-20 years of experience with children of all ages and a variety of feeding disorders. They have certifications in SOS and AEIOU approaches and significant training from around the country on feeding approaches, treatment strategies, and focused plans. We also having consistent collaboration with other professionals in the community to guarantee the best care. Call our clinic at 252-341-9944 for a free phone screening with one of our feeding therapists and schedule an evaluation today!

Blog Written By: Shelby Godwin, COTA/L, AC & Morgan Foster, MS, OTR/L