Beyond Chicken Nuggets

Progressive Pediatric Therapy • March 17, 2023

Written by: Amanda Beckert, SLP-A

Do you have a picky eater? Are you tired of the same chicken nuggets each and every evening? Feeding Therapy Tips! 

Building Tolerance

Sight

First, it’s important to look at different steps that go towards a child actually eating food.
Tolerance is so important to start with. Can you child be close to this food? What is happening in the environment of the food? If the child had difficulty being in the same environment of the food, it’s important to take it a step back and get them used to different foods in their sight.

A man and a boy are mixing ingredients in a bowl in a kitchen.

Touch


Interactions! The next step in this process would be to have a child be able to interact with their food. Make it fun! Having the child be able to interact with you making their food. Use fun tools (like cookie cutters) to help the child want to gravitate towards it more.

Smell


The odor of food and how they use their sense of smell in relation to this food is the next step. Can the child willingly be around the food to a point where they can smell it? The smell of a food can help a child determine what it might taste like. A child having the ability to bring the food closer to them to smell if ties very well with interacting with the food! Can the child bring food to their face? What about their mouths? Can they give little kisses to their food? That’s one step closer to eating it! Use useful PLAY with our food. Continue with experimenting with touch on their fingers, hands, and even face.

Make sure to provide developmentally appropriate food when it comes to working on tasting food. Kissing, using the tongue to touch, and eventually taking small bites will lead to eating.

A child engaged with food will be more likely to eat it!

A man in a navy shirt is eating a hamburger with a woman and a baby.


Other very useful tips to assist you on your child’s feeding therapy journey is to stick to one new food a week. Always refer back to all of our steps starting with tolerance! Another tip is to have consistency with meal times. Sit together and model how you are enjoying the foods you are providing to your child. Remove distractions around the meal. Be present in the moment which will all help to model great eating behaviors too!

Curious if your child can benefit from Feeding Therapy? Contact us for a Free Screening 561-376-2573.

Want to learn more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ProgressivePedTherapy

The post Beyond Chicken Nuggets appeared first on PPT4Kids.

How to Prepare Your Child with Sensory Challenges for Summer Travel

June 5, 2025
Summer is a season of sunshine, adventures, and unforgettable memories. But for families of children with sensory challenges, the thought of travel can also bring anxiety and overwhelm. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child deserves the chance to enjoy summer experiences, comfortably and confidently. With a little planning and the right support, travel can be not just manageable but truly enjoyable!

Staying Safe and Making Waves: Water Safety & Aquatic Therapy for Kids

May 22, 2025
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, families across South Florida flock to the water for fun, relaxation, and play. But alongside the excitement comes an important responsibility, water safety . At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use this time of year not only to promote safe swimming habits but also to spotlight one of our most exciting specialty services: Aquatic Therapy .

Celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month: How Speech-Language Pathologists Help Children Thrive

May 8, 2025
May is a month of blooming possibilities and brighter days, and for those of us at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, it also marks Better Hearing and Speech Month . A time to shine a spotlight on communication and the professionals who make a lifelong difference: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) .

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month: How OTs Help Children Thrive

April 30, 2025
In the vibrant world of childhood development, every child learns, plays, and grows in their own unique way. But for some, everyday activities like holding a crayon, tying shoes, or interacting with peers can be challenging. That’s where the role of an Occupational Therapist becomes so important. In honor of Occupational Therapy Month , let’s take a closer look at what pediatric OTs do, how they support children’s development, and why their work matters so much.

Understanding and Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

April 30, 2025
April is a month full of fresh starts, bright colors, and meaningful moments but, for many families it holds a deeper purpose. It marks Autism Acceptance Month , a time to celebrate, spread awareness, and foster genuine inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Step Up For Students: How to Get Your Child's Therapy Services Covered

March 3, 2025
Discover how the Step Up For Students scholarship can help families afford high-quality therapy services for children with unique abilities. Learn about eligibility, covered therapies, and how to apply for funding at Progressive Pediatric Therapy. Empower your child’s future—get started today!

Creating a Sensory Calming Corner in Your Preschool Classroom

By Progressive Pediatric Therapy • August 20, 2024
Progressive Pediatric Therapy (PPT) is committed to empowering children and families through specialized Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy. With a compassionate team of pediatric therapists, PPT focuses on providing individualized care, enhancing development, and fostering hope and happiness in a supportive environment. The post Creating a Sensory Calming Corner in Your Preschool Classroom appeared first on PPT4Kids.
A chalkboard with the words school 's out for summer written on it

Preventing Summer Slide: Keep Your Kids Engaged with Lively Letters!

By Progressive Pediatric Therapy • June 7, 2024
The post Preventing Summer Slide: Keep Your Kids Engaged with Lively Letters! appeared first on PPT4Kids.
A woman is swimming in a pool with her hand out of the water.

Autism and Water Safety: Essential Tips and Resources for Families

By Progressive Pediatric Therapy • May 7, 2024
Learn vital water safety tips for children with autism. Explore expert advice and resources to keep your family safe. Prevent drowning accidents with practical solutions tailored for children with autism. The post Autism and Water Safety: Essential Tips and Resources for Families appeared first on PPT4Kids.
A baby is sitting on the floor surrounded by toys and a book.

Unlocking Your Toddler’s Full Potential: The Magic of Occupational Therapy

By Progressive Pediatric Therapy • April 10, 2024
Pediatric OT helps toddlers master daily skills, from self-care to sensory processing, boosting confidence and independence for life's early adventures. The post Unlocking Your Toddler’s Full Potential: The Magic of Occupational Therapy appeared first on PPT4Kids.
More Posts