Back to school is here again! I am mega excited for my daughter to spend time with other kids, do arts and crafts, hangout at the playground and learn! My kid started preschool when she was 2 and a half years old. My food therapist suggested preschool as a good way to expose my kid to food. Eating is social and she figured watching other kids eat might motivate her to do the same. It did not. As a matter of fact, she frequently complained the school was "smelly and yucky". It was a daily battle taking her to school each morning. We asked ourselves whether we should change schools but after consulting with a child psychologist, we decided to keep her there.
I found myself explaining the whole food situation with room teachers and the school principal. They understood and now I just send out her lunch box with some of the foods I use at home for feeding therapy (for reinforcement) and her usual pediasure bottle. That being said, here are some pointers I have found useful while searching for schools when you have a child with oral aversion:
- Make sure you explain the situation before enrolling your child.
- Ask what is the meal routine is so you can plan what to put on their lunch box. Some schools have snack time others don't.
- Ask whether they let therapists come to school to give service during mealtime so you can arrange for this, if necessary.
- Flexibility is key. Ask how flexible are they about your child missing school, getting late or having to get out early for a Doctors appointment.
Having a child with oral aversion can feel at times like I am dealing with a "special needs" child but this should not have to interfere with other aspects of my kids development. Lets enjoy them, focus on moving forwards and empower our children to become more independent as they grow older.
Cake Kisses,
The Sensory Cake Mom
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