#PlayWithYourFood Resources

Aug 30

“Food should be fun, not stressful.”

Allie TIcktin, MA, OTD, OTR/L, Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play (2021)

We’ve pulled the following information from the book Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play (Chapter Six) written by Allie Ticktin (2021). If you haven’t heard of this book or read it yet, but you’re interested in the transformational power of play, you should absolutely look into it. The book is a comprehensive guidebook for sensory play. Each chapter combines high-level concepts as well as a game catalog related to each of the senses. Ticktin extrapolates scientifically on the impact of playing with your food as a child, and we’ve pulled some quotes we thought you’d like on tips to encourage food curiosity in young folks, but it’s never too late to practice openness to food.

We hope you enjoy these playful food tips!

Food should be fun, not stressful. Every mealtime is an opportunity to teach your child about new flavors and foods.
Expose, expose, expose. Remember that it takes many, many exposures for your little one to accept a new food. Start young and introduce tons of unfamiliar foods.
Let your child in the kitchen to cook with you. Let them taste the ingredients. Give them a before-and-after taste test. Have them try a carrot or broccoli before it is cooked and then after.
Go to a restaurant or a market that features food from other cultures (150).

For more #PlayWithYourFood reads, check out our list of resources below: