If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you have seen us do messy sensory play. We make messes with art when we refine fine motor skills, make messes when we explore new foods, and make messes when we challenge our bodies to engage with new textures. Messes are proof of learning!
We also acknowledge that not all parents are ready to embrace the mess and would prefer to ease into food play. We are certainly cool with that too! In fact, there is some evidence that there is family resemblance for how we process touch information (Coulthard & Sahota, 2016). In other words, kids who are hypersensitive to tactile input may also have a parent who is hypersensitive. It’s important that we respect the sensory needs of both our patients AND families.
Here are our top 5 ways to help your child explore foods with less mess.
1. Let your child help at the grocery store. Younger children can help you place items in a bag or in the cart. Older children can retrieve items from your list or even help you create the grocery list.
2. Involve your child in washing fresh produce. Have your child help you wash or dry fruits and veggies before eating or putting them away.
3. Give your child a mealtime job. Kids love to work and be a part of family activities. Ask your child to serve a dish to the family, pass out a lightweight food item, or even help with the cleanup. Throwing food away is a great way to engage even the most hesitant of eaters with new foods.
4. Take it outside. Did someone say picnic? Novel settings alone can peak a child’s interest in exploring a new food. You can lay out a towel or a plastic tablecloth to help contain messes. If you’re at home and it’s warm out, ditch the clothes! They can hose off before going back inside.
5. Use a disposable surface for easy clean up. Newspaper, plastic tablecloths, or disposable mats like the Theo’s Disposable Splat Mat (https://www.theosmats.com/).
However you choose to involve your child with foods, you are providing opportunities for food exposure that contributes to their relationship with foods. Remember to keep it simple, say less, and have fun! As always, we are here for you if you need support. Let’s Thrive n Play!
References:
Coulthard, H., & Sahota, S. (2016). Food neophobia and enjoyment of tactile play: Associations between preschool children and their parents. Appetite, 97, 155-159.
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