Capabilities Therapy Services

Tips for Surviving the Holidays with a Picky Eater or Problem Feeder- adapted from the SOS Approach to Feeding #1=Minimize/Limit changes: Try to keep your child on their usual eating schedule, even if this means they will be eating off-schedule of the main Holiday meal. Don't make them wait for food, this will make them cranky. When it's their time to eat the Holiday meal, offer some "safe" preferred foods. Include at least one food your child will eat into the main Holida...y meal. Have them sit with everyone at the main meal, but don't expect them to eat a lot. #2=Prepare your child in advance: Talk to them about the people they might be meeting. Show them pictures of relatives that may be with you for the Holidays. Tell them what activities you are going to be doing on which day. Explain to them that their goal at the main Holiday meal will be to work on their manners (not having to eat all the foods presented). Practice cooking and serving some of the typical, special Holiday foods that your family has before the special day. #3=Feed your child BEFORE: Offer your child a simple Meal or Snack of preferred foods. Make sure this meal/snack is heavy on the Proteins. But don't forget to still offer a balanced meal/snack which includes at least: 1-2 proteins, 1 starch, 1 fruit or vegetable, and their milk. Making them eat challenging foods may spark power struggles in a child who may already be over-excited and not able to handle increased eating demands. Don't make their participation in the Holiday event contingent on what they eat. #4=Limit the Sweets: Allowing free access to sweets suppresses the appetite for more nutritious foods and can lead to craving more sugary foods. One small "sweet treat" a day for no more than one week after or as a part of the Holiday is sufficient. Tie how many days in a row they will get a "sweet treat" to their age. (If they are 3, they will get one sweet treat once a day for 3 days in a row.) Do NOT make whether they get their "sweet treat" contingent on their eating. Pick a meal, after which they automatically get their treat. Make sure children know they need to ask first before taking a "sweet treat".

This is the book signing I posted about previously! What a great way to support kids with special abilities AND spread the word about these amazing individuals!!

I love this! Might be feeling the same way by Thanksgiving afternoon

I just spoke with Pamela Peterson. She is an advocate for children and she is the mother of a 22 year old son with special needs. She and her son have created Superhero comic books about people/kids with special needs and the special powers they possess. They will be having a book signing on December 19th from 1-5pm at the Acworth Bookstore and Coffee Shop 4857 N Main St Acworth, GA 30101. I will definitely be there! Come out and support this young author/artist and help spread the news about the super powers behind the people with special needs!

November 17th is World Prematurity Day! Help support Healthier Moms and babies!

November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Join us in supporting the March of Dimes to fight for healthy moms and babies! March of Dimes is working to level the playing field so that all moms and babies are healthy. Because when a society supports every family, the future is brighter for us all. And when communities work together, even the toughest problems can be solved. Join March of Dimes in the fight for healthy moms and strong babies. http://bit.ly/MODwontstop