Navigating Thanksgiving: Tools to Help Children with Sensory Difficulties and Selective Eating

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, a delicious feast. However, for families with children who have sensory difficulties and selective eating habits, the holiday can present some unique challenges. With thoughtful planning and consideration, you can transform the Thanksgiving experience into a more comfortable and enjoyable one for your child.

Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate this festive occasion:

Communicate with Hosts:

If you'll be attending someone else's Thanksgiving gathering, open up a dialogue with the hosts about your child's sensory difficulties and selective eating. This proactive step can help them better understand and accommodate your child's needs. You will be surprised at how accepting and helpful people can be when you open up about your family's unique needs.

Sensory Input:

Encourage your child to engage in 30 minutes of heavy work activities, such as climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, or crashing, prior to the Thanksgiving gathering. This can help your child achieve a regulated and centered state, making the holiday more enjoyable for them.

Practice:

An at-home rehearsal is a fantastic idea! If your regular dinner setup usually involves something other than serving family-style, why not give it a go for one evening? Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the potential sights of a Thanksgiving spread, discussing the array of foods in terms of their colors, textures, shapes, and sizes.

Designate a Quiet Area:

Set up a designated quiet space where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. This could be a bedroom or a cozy corner stocked with familiar items from home.

Provide Tools:

Bring tools that can help, like headphones for loud spaces, weighted lap pads for calming during mealtime, and chewys to provide proprioceptive input.

Bring Familiar Foods:

If your child has specific comfort foods, consider bringing them to ensure they have something familiar to eat. Communicate this with the hosts in advance to make the meal more accommodating.

Introduce New Foods Gradually:

For children open to trying new foods, introduce them gradually. Start with small portions, allowing them to explore textures and flavors at their own pace.

Choose Comfortable Seating:

Opt for a comfortable seating arrangement that caters to your child's sensory needs, perhaps including cushions or a specific type of chair.

Respect Selective Eating:

While encouraging new experiences is positive, respect your child's selective eating. Pressuring them can create anxiety, making the situation more challenging.

Bring Comfort Items:

If your child has comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket, bring them along to provide a sense of security during the festivities.

Offer Non-Food Activities:

Have non-food activities available, such as coloring books, puzzles, or games, providing alternative ways for your child to engage during the gathering.

Consider Timing:

Plan to attend the Thanksgiving meal during a time when your child is typically more comfortable and less likely to be overstimulated.

Explain to Others:

Educate family and friends about your child's needs. Share information about sensory processing difficulties and selective eating to foster support and understanding.

Emphasize Gratitude:

Focus on the positive aspects of the gathering, encouraging your child to express gratitude for the things they enjoy.

Celebrate Achievements:

Acknowledge and celebrate small victories. Whether it's trying a new food or handling a sensory challenge well, praise your child's efforts.

Remember that every child is unique, and these tips may need adjustment based on your child's specific needs. Stay flexible and open, and prioritize creating an inclusive Thanksgiving experience for your child. You can make this holiday season enjoyable for the entire family with thoughtful planning, communication, and understanding.