As a nutritionist and occupational therapist working with children and their families on feeding goals in a holistic way, I wanted to explain the evidence base for the way I work. Yes, the title of this article may seem pretty heavy, however, my aim is to unravel some of these terms and provide you with […] The post Occupational Therapy and Responsive Feeding Therapy appeared first on Play With Food ..read more

"Everyday Leadership" is a buzz-word meaning taking intentional and daily action to foster connection, communication and community whilst working together toward one shared vision. Yet, it may not be a phrase you have heard before. And, I'll take a wild stab in the dark here, but I KNOW* you haven't seen "Everyday Leadership" and "Picky Eating" used in the same sentence. The post Putting “Everyday Leadership” into action with picky eaters appeared first on Play With Food ..read more

We find ourselves in unusual times during this global pandemic. Many thoughts have been focused on reassurance for my children, keeping them on track with home learning tasks and focusing on the “nuts and bolts” of responsive feeding strategies. The same “nuts and bolts” that have helped survived a wider range of isolation-induced changes. These […] The post When Meal Planning Results in Shortbread and an At-Home Math Lesson appeared first on Play With Food ..read more

Non-Directive Language is a way to talk with children that empowers them with the choice to make their own mind up about engaging in a task. It revolves around NOT asking them to do anything! Yep, using the power of suggestion and curiosity to involve children. It works with feeding language because it is much […] The post Another Language Tool for Helping Your Child Eat New Foods appeared first on Play With Food ..read more

This red velvet smoothie is the perfect match to a midweek dinner. But, don’t hold out to serve it as dessert. Bribing with dessert is a strategy that backfires in the long run with kids. When we put dessert on a pedestal we make the main meal a begrudged battle zone. They might love making […] The post Serve This Kids Dessert with Mains at Dinner appeared first on ..read more

An open letter to share with your family, friends and teachers about supporting you to raise a picky eater. It takes a village! The post All the things I want you to know about my picky eater… appeared first on ..read more

Figs are full of great nutrients BUT you wouldn’t be alone in thinking that they are a little bit “weird looking”. Offering children a novel (or totally new food) works on two levels: It shows them that you are still learning about foods too. You can explain that you are learning with your eyes, your […] The post Fig Blender Bars appeared first on ..read more

Many parents feel exasperated when they offer nutritious lunchboxes and their children prefer to ….bring the contents home. If your child likes chocolate, then keep your eyes right here. Let’s start with chocolate! If your child doesn’t like chocolate, that’s OK, but you may find that you can substitute other foods along the way in […] The post Start with Chocolate! Strategies for Fussy Eaters and Improving Lunchbox Variety. appeared first on ..read more

With party season around the corner, this video is all about how to maintain your sanity. Listen to my key mindset tips relating to the division of responsibility at meals including Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years eve, Class Parties and more. It is the silly season, but don’t let your child’s food refusals get the better […] The post Video: Handling Party Season with Fussy Eaters appeared first on Play with Food ..read more

Looking for the easiest cake recipes in town. Look no further than this crazy cake recipe! A crazy cake is made from pantry staples and is versatile enough to carry a range of flavours. Plus, this raspberry crazy cake is perfect for preschoolers to make independently as it just requires scooping, stirring, making little wells […] The post Raspberry Crazy Cake {Dairy and Egg Free} appeared first on Play with Food ..read more