09/06/2025
Have you ever wondered why your child will happily eat the same brand of crackers every single day—but melt down at the sight of a fruit or veggie?
This is one of the most common questions I hear as a feeding therapist — and the answer might surprise you.
✨It’s not about being “difficult.” It’s about sensory safety.
Real foods — like fruits and veggies — are full of surprises. One cucumber slice might be crisp, the next soft. One blueberry is sweet, the next sour. That kind of unpredictability can be overwhelming for kids with sensitive taste, smell, or texture preferences and for a child with sensory sensitivities, that kind of variation feels unsafe. It’s not just about taste — it’s about texture, temperature, smell, and control.
Now compare that to a cracker: every bite = same crunch, same saltiness, same size. No surprises = less stress.
🌱 What helps?
You don’t have to make them eat the blueberry. Instead:
👀 Let them look at it.
👐 Let them touch or squish it.
🖍️ Draw it or use it in pretend play.
👃 Smell it together.
✨ Exposure without pressure builds comfort — and comfort leads to progress.
🍽️ Remember: trying new foods isn’t about “fixing” your child. It’s about helping them feel safe, curious, and in control.
