Go For the Gold

O.K, O.K...I couldn't resist the dog picture. This post has nothing to do with dogs just the Olympic medals they're wearing. 

So let's get started.  

We've been talking about Olympic-themed picky eater ideas and this is another FUN idea for you and your kiddos.  

Part of a therapeutic program for picky eating is to, EVENTUALLY, have the child become more open to trying new foods. If you take the pressure off and do some of the activities I've blogged about....that should happen. WHEN it does (and remember it is different for everyone-helping an anxious eater is a marathon NOT a sprint) and it WILL, try having your very own Olympic Tasting Event.

Here's how...

*Pick a food that your child accepts readily but also has different forms, brands or packaging.
*Make, print or buy "Olympic" medals
*Have a small notebook to keep track of your "Medal Count" (I'll explain more later) 

Let's use Macaroni and Cheese for our example because many, many, MANY picky eaters LOVE Mac and Cheese...a certain brand of Mac and Cheese to be exact! 

        (1)Purchase three different kinds of Mac and Cheese (if you can) within the same brand (eg. regular, spiral, character shapes). 
        (2) Have your child help you make each one
        (3) Place the different kinds on the table in three different containers.
        (4) Make sure you have your "medals" ready to be awarded
        (5) You, and/or your child should take a taste of each one making sure you talk about the similarities and differences of each one. "this tastes the same even though it's a different shape!"  "This is cheesier and you need to chew it a little more etc...)
        (6) Have a "Medal Ceremony" after the Olympic Tasting Event is completed. 

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The gold medal should be awarded to the one that would be eaten again without hesitation. 

The silver medal should be awarded to the one that would be tried again and eaten, in place of their "regular" style of this food, on occasion.

The bronze medal should be awarded to the one that they liked the least and feel that they wouldn't care to try again for some time.

After the medals are awarded, have a Closing Ceremony by recording the food, and the medals, in the tasting notebook.  I suggest using one page with the food listed at the top. Take pictures of each box, each food after it's cooked or your child eating the foods to place on the page. This will give them a visual reminder of their experience. 

At the very end of your Olympics, go back through the notebook and record all gold and silver medal foods on a list from which your child can select from for future meals. This list will not only help with meal planning but give a visual reminder to both you and your child of the new foods they have added to their core food list. 

Enjoy!  

Stay tuned for ONE more Olympic themed activity for you and your picky eater. 

As always...thanks for reading my blog.

Jen

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