LeT's woRk WiTh tHaT

Reality check from Appetite Solutions

The holidays are fun right?  For most of our families with kids that have sensory processing disorders etc. not so much fun over here in our world.

Parents have to deal with trying to make other family members happy and end up making the one who needs the most attention VERY 
UN-happy.  

OK so don't feel like you have to please everyone else during the holidays and do things like....
1.  Dress your child in the most uncomfortable clothes he/she can barely stand to begin with just to make someone else happy seeing that child in those clothes.
2.  Stress over the fact that another family member is pointing out what your child is doing wrong and making suggestions on how to handle that behavior.  
3.  Make your child go through a sensory disaster just to make another family member happy, because you know how it's going to end and now repeat number 2. This can be a viscous cycle until the ultimate meltdown of the century.

I just want to encourage all our families to do what is comfortable for our children and don't go out of that safety zone for others, especially during these stressful holidays.  
The only thing you need to remember to do is have a plan A & B & C before you leave the house with your partner or caregiver and roll with the punches.   

and one more thing......
let's hold off on trying new foods until after the first of the year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family at Appetite Solutions,
Michelle, Sherman, Brooke and JP Buff

Nothing done well is done once

This journey of appetite solutions is not a one time, one size fits all gig.  If you are beginning your journey then please remember that "Nothing done well is done once."  It takes many failures to succeed in your child's appetite solutions.  There is no magic wand, potion or a secret treatment.  

Each child is different in their way of processing and objectively going through with a plan of action that involves them undertaking such a whole new way of thinking.  Something new is not allowed in their routine and if it is then it needs to be scrutinized and broken down for entry so to speak.  You know what?  That's perfectly OK!

I mean do we expect our own child/children to except something new in their lives when we ourselves are basically the same way?  The quick answer is "yes."  But if we slow down and not only recognize but except this way of thinking then we can begin that journey you have been talking about with experiencing a new food.

Let me break it down for you in a manner that which you will understand.  Not only is your child a literal thinker but he/she also has a brain that is programmed to think a certain way.  It is your job to re-program that way of thinking.  Begin with simple steps so the both of you are comfortable and see success.

Simple steps 

1. Expose the child to the new food in a verbal sense.
2. Keep a food journal
3. Learn about sensory input and output
4. Expose the child to the new food in a sensory friendly and safe environment

 Remember this.....Nothing done well is done once.

I wish you well in your adventures.

Need a phone consultation?  Call me 828-443-7858
visit my new website at www.michellefbuff.wix.com/appetitesolutions 

  

A Child's View of Sensory Processing

Brain Highways: The Proprioceptive System

Brain Highways: The Vestibular System

Fear vs. Anxiety - What's the difference?

ICE ICE BaBy

Safe play equals trusting relationships

Did you know that Sensory input through safe play can lead to experiencing a new food

Appetite Solutions idea #207

1.  Place ice cubes in warm water. 
What does this do?
The ice cubes change the temperature of the water which in turn the child has to adapt to that change internally. Your brain has been through this change before and locked in what if feels like for the water temperature to change abruptly so you actually  know what it's going to feel like because of that locked in input.  Now your child who may have sensory processing disorder has to experience this type of input over several occasions before it can be locked into their brain.
  
  What your brain already knows you have to teach your child to remember that feeling.  Input from their hands goes through their entire body and each cell is recognized for them so, it takes time after time to adapt and to understand what is happening and to be able to control that sensation with their brain takes many opportunities.   Once that happens then the child is in control of the situation and their brain will act accordingly when seeing the same set up in front of them.  You may begin to talk about it at that time with your child.  You may say things like, "remember the water is warm now and it will turn cold when we put the ice in".  

This simple idea if introduced several times can lead to building up to experiencing a new food.  How you ask.  
Simple:  When the child's brain is trained in this particular adaptation then you may build from this play.  You can introduce pieces of frozen fruit, because now the sensory input will be different for your child.  The frozen fruit will change the temperature of the water which the child's brain is already adapted to and the body will follow through while the brain leads so to speak. (the child will be fine with the temperature change because it's been introduced so many times now that the brain has caught up and is leading the body as it is supposed to do when adapting to temperature changes etc.)  A different sensory input will be experienced with the frozen fruits.  Remember we are playing safe with your child at this time and they are in control and learning to be in control with the new foreign object in the water. Imagine; depending on what fruit you select to drop in the water you already know what it's going to feel like between your fingers but your child doesn't so no instruction is needed just opportunity here.  Once the child gets to experience this adaptation several times then there may be lots of opportunities for your child to smell, touch the fruit to his lips or face, or even taste with their tongue.   

Ahhhh the powers of ice........who knew?.................  I did!