Picky Eaters
Trying new foods can be a challenge for many children. By utilizing multiple techniques and implementing food into learning activities, the Cisco Center provides a safe environment to explore.
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We offer anywhere from a 1-day to 5-day a week program designed to develop and increase positive experiences with food and eating. We use food as a learning tool, along with a variety of techniques, to not only introduce non preferred foods, but also introduce new topics.
We offer anywhere from a 1-day to 5-day a week program designed to develop and increase positive experiences with food and eating. We use food as a learning tool, along with a variety of techniques, to not only introduce non preferred foods, but also introduce new topics.
The structure of this program varies child to child. Eating, in many cases, can be a key social piece of development and for this reason, we try to run these sessions with other children eating as well. When this is not possible, we do switch to a smaller group or individualized structure.
To have the best outcome of this program, we ask that:
- Concepts and techniques that are used in the center also be used at home
- Sessions are not missed as much as possible. Consistency is one tool that makes a big difference
- Both preferred and non-preferred food items be provided. We recommend that the child not know their non-preferred item was packed if possible
This class is for children, however, to be successful all techniques will be shared with families so that they can implement the same methods at home.
Every child is different and begins to explore and try new foods at different rates, so there is not a one-answer-fits-all for this question. We suggest that sessions continue until changes are seen at home on a consistent basis.
Unless requested (depending on staff availability) sizes will vary. Eating can be a social activity, and one technique that is often successful is seeing others of the same age trying new foods. Most sessions will be ran alongside the lunch time with other children, but when it is appropriate, the session may be ran in a one-to-one structure.
