Why is Regulation Important Before Feeding?

Written By Michael Brodzik

  • When a child isn’t regulated, their body is often in fight or flight mode

    • It is hard to eat, or even think about food, if your body feels stressed

  • Self-regulation is your ability to manage your emotions in behaviors in a situation

    • This can be hard for some kids and they may require strategies to help

Strategies to Help your Child Regulate

 

Calming Strategies Before Feeding:

  • Heavy work

    • Lifting and moving larger objects (push or pull) 

  • Deep pressure

    • Tight squeezes/bear hugs, weighted items, “burrito” in a blanket

  • Vestibular (movement)

    • Swinging, rocking, spinning, jumping on trampoline

  • White noise

  • Coloring or other calming activity

Help ‘Wake Up’ Your Child’s Mouth Before Meals:

  • Blowing bubbles

  • Vibration: Z vibe, Sensi, or even an electric toothbrush

  • Using a whistle

  • Making faces in a mirror

  • Facial massage

  • Brush lips with a tooth brush

✶These activities should help your child make a mind-body connection to their mouth so they will have an easier time managing the food in their mouth

★By building body and mouth awareness, these activities help your child handle food more confidently and can help eating feel easier and more comfortable.★

Michael Brodzik https://vativecreative.com
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