Trying New Things!

I know I have mentioned Paprika's eating issues before, and that she sees a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Feeding Specialist once/week. Paprika is what you'd call a Problem Feeder - which is different from a Picky Eater. A Problem Feeder will eat less than 20 foods, will not tolerate new foods in proximity, and will basically starve themselves before touching or trying a new food. Picky eaters will eat usually more than 20 foods, and are more flexible in their food experiences. Here is a short article about the differences: Picky Eater or Problem Feeder?

When we first started working with our OT back in April, Paprika had about 5 foods she could eat. Each food had to be just so, and any deviation would cause complete rejection of the food. It was really frustrating, to say the least.

The process of expanding her diet has been arduous, but one thing that has really helped us has been her "homework chart." Basically, it is just a chart and for every new food she tries, she puts a stamp on the chart. She will note if it is salty or sweet, juicy or dry, and if she likes it (hint: she never does!) We aim for two new foods/day. Once the chart is completed, Paprika gets a special toy or reward.

When we first started the homework chart, all Paprika had to do was allow the food item on her plate. Then, we moved up to getting her to lick the item. Now, she has to touch the item, and put a bite of it in her mouth (and then take it back out of her mouth) to get a stamp. Basically, the goal of this is to break her out of her rigidity a bit and get her comfortable with new (food) situations.

At one point, I pushed things a little too far with this. She had really been wanting a special Barbie mermaid doll, and I told her if she ate/swallowed a bite of strawberry, she could have the doll. It was a little like an episode of Fear Factor watching her try to eat the strawberry. About 45 minutes into her anxiously looking at the doll, then back to the strawberry, she took one bite. But it was a little too much, too fast- and she had a horrible, gagging fit and almost threw up on the table.

So, now we take things more slowly! ;-) What can I say, I am learning, too!

I think any child - problem eater or picky eater - could benefit from a food reward chart like this. We have tried everything in the past (including all those books like The Sneaky Chef and Just Take A Bite) - and honestly, nothing was working.

It is very slow going, but the rewards are worth it. Despite her restricted diet, Paprika has a fairly healthy diet, all things considered (thanks largely to Ovaltine shakes and S'mores flavored Luna Bars). She is in the 90th percentile for height and is overall physically healthy.

But one of the things I really want for her is for her to be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods, and not be imprisoned by her very narrow, rigid food choices. I know it sounds like a simple thing, and to some it probably sounds crazy...but if you've experienced something like this, then you know what I'm talking about!

So, here's to trying new things. Our Food Homework Chart is really helping us, and I will keep you posted on how it progresses, and if you try it with your kids, let me know how it works for you! :-)