Environmental Modifications for Less Stress at Meal Times

Physical Environment

• Lighting and Noise: create a calm environment by dimming the lights and reducing noise levels 

  • Turn off the TV in the background

  • Use lamps instead of overhead lights

• Seating Stability: ensure proper seating support to create the appropriate 90°-90°-90° posture

  • Your child should have their hips, knees, and ankles all at 90°

  • Use footrests if your child’s feet can’t touch the ground

• Use a Consistent Location: keep meals in the same location while also allowing flexibility

  • If your child is overwhelmed at the table, consider having a picnic on the floor to reduce pressure

Social Environment

• Create a Supportive Mealtime Atmosphere

• Role Modeling: parents should model eating a variety of foods and display positive attitudes towards eating

• Language: keep the language you use around food neutral

  • Avoid labeling foods as good or bad

  • Avoid using foods as a bribe

  • Try describing aspects of the food (how it looks, tastes, feels)