Finicky Eater Fun!

{Cue cheesy game show music}

{Enter stereotypical game show host voice}

{Cue audience}

"WHEEL....OF....SAUCES..."

Look at how much FUN my finicky friend is having with the sauce. This little guy is a lover of dipping and sauce...in particular ketchup and McDonald's BBQ sauce. One of our goals is to "chain" {a la Food Chaining program} to new flavors that are similar to currently accepted flavors. Another is to lessen the anxiety {neophobia} around new foods and yet a third is for the FAMILY to relax at mealtimes, have some fun with food and take the pressure off. 


I suggested that mom get some little cups and fill them with several sauces that are accepted {honey, French dressing, McDonalds BBQ sauce and ketchup} as well as several sauces that are similar to the accepted ones and throw in a few that might be a stretch but have a "flavor" that might serve as a bridge to a new flavor {honey mustard~bridging/chaining from his love of honey}. Put them all on their Lazy Susan {my friend LOVES to spin that thing when we sit at the table so it's a perfect fit} and play Wheel Of Sauces. 


The rules are easy.


*EVERYONE takes a turn
*On your turn, spin the wheel 
*When it stops, you can choose to taste the sauce in front of you, take a taste of one of your favorites OR pass. 
*Take your taste how you wish. On food, a spoon, the handle of the spoon, a finger or a chewy toy or oral motor tool. 
*When you taste, even if it's a favorite, you must give ONE {or more} describing words about your sauce. 
 
{SPECIAL NOTE: for some children the turn may consist of being near the sauce while others play and spinning the wheel and experiencing the smell of the sauce and not taking a "real" turn at all. Work with your therapist or decide which is most appropriate for your child.}


That's it! Easy Peasy.


I'm happy to report that my friend had a blast and tried two new sauces, one time. The main thing is that he had fun with his family around food, stayed focused on the activity that was food related {he likes to retreat and move during mealtimes} and tried something new. 


There are many ways you could adapt this to encourage fun around food and experiencing new foods~what can you think of? Please share by leaving a comment. 


As always, thanks for reading. 


Until next time...keep helping your children BLOOM!


Jen