Chicken Nugget- OT no no?
Hey there, fellow parents, caregivers, and feeding therapy enthusiasts!
I'm thrilled to kick off my very first blog post with a story that made me reflect on the often funny, sometimes puzzling, yet incredibly valuable moments in our journey with feeding.
Picture this: I'm on vacation with my family, soaking in the sun and relaxation. I'm getting home from the grocery store when Derek looks at me with a puzzled expression and asks, "Why did you buy chicken nuggets?" Now, normally, chicken nuggets aren't our family's go-to choice. We're all about fresh fruits, veggies, and whole foods. But hey, it's vacation time, and sometimes you've got to roll with the flow, right?
Derek playfully labeled this incident as an "OT no-no," poking fun at my professional background as an occupational therapist specializing in feeding. It got me thinking about how easily we fall into the trap of food shaming, whether it's our kids or even ourselves. As parents, we juggle busy lives, and sometimes that means making choices that may not align with our usual eating habits.
Let's face it – life gets hectic, and there's no shame in that. Whether it's a spontaneous fast-food meal or an indulgent treat, it's all about balance. It's about finding joy in food without overthinking it. Besides I think its important that my kids feel great about eating the occasional chicken nugget!
This story also made me realize the benefits of approaching foods like chicken nuggets from a skills perspective. As feeding therapists, we're often presented with unexpected foods during sessions. While some foods may not seem like the ideal choice, it's all about how we use those foods with our clients to facilitate the outcome they need. HOW we use a food in a feeding therapy session is SO MUCH more important than WHAT foods we are using. A skilled therapist is able to grade up / down and modify to ensure any food can target the foundational deficits and build strength in performance skills.
Consider the humble chicken nugget. For a child who's not yet comfortable with resistive foods, this could be a fantastic opportunity to bridge the gap between familiar dissolvable foods and those that require more chewing. It's a stepping stone toward building oral motor strength, coordination, and endurance – all essential skills for the occupation of eating.
So, let's celebrate chicken nuggets for their potential, let go of food shame, and approach feeding therapy with a sense of playfulness and possibility. Our kids deserve a positive relationship with food, free from unnecessary worry.
As I continue to share insights and tips in this blog, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, let's embrace food with joy, foster healthy feeding habits, and navigate the world of feeding therapy with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of expertise.
Stay tuned for more Nom Nom Notes that highlight the wonderful world of feeding and all its nuances. I will add to my blog at least once a week with the top trending daily feeding tip! Until next time, happy feeding!
PS- if you're interested in exploring feeding therapy further, feel free to reach out – I'd love to connect and support your journey.
