Food Play!
Is your child a picky, or ‘selective’ eater and the dinner table has become a battleground?
At Complete Dietetics, we understand that mealtime struggles can be overwhelming for everyone. This can be especially true for families with neurodivergent children who may experience heightened sensitivities to certain tastes, textures, or smells.
We are excited to introduce our dedicated food play room
Tailored to meet the unique needs of children of all ages, this room provides a positive and inclusive space for exploration.
We are dedicated to making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free for both individuals and families!
A Responsive Feeding Approach
Responsive feeding is the guiding principle behind our approach for children.
It involves tuning into your child's cues and fostering a trusting, supportive environment during meals. By incorporating food play into responsive feeding, we aim to turn mealtimes into moments of joy, curiosity, and empowerment for both you and your child.
Food play sessions for children ~
Food play sessions for children ~
Sensory Exploration: Our sessions focus on introducing children to various textures, colours, and smells in a supportive setting. Through child-directed hands-on activities, we aim to gradually desensitise extreme sensitivities, while ensuring the experience remains stress free and enjoyable.
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Gradual Exposure: We understand that extreme picky eaters may feel overwhelmed by new foods. Our sessions use a gradual exposure approach, allowing children to explore and become familiar with different foods at their own pace.
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Individualised Strategies: Neurodivergent children may have specific preferences and challenges. Our sessions are personalised to accommodate these needs, creating a comfortable environment where they can thrive.
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Benefits for Extreme Picky Eaters
Reducing Anxiety: Food play sessions help alleviate anxiety around mealtimes by turning the focus from pressure to eat to the joy of exploration.
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Expanding Food Repertoire: Through playful activities, children gradually become more receptive to interacting with and then trying new foods, expanding their repertoire and promoting balanced eating.
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Building Positive Associations: By associating food with fun and positive experiences, children develop a healthier relationship with food, reducing resistance and aversions.
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How to Get Started
Consultation with a Dietitian: Schedule a consultation with our dietitian to discuss your child's unique needs and challenges.
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Tailored food play & cooking sessions: Based on the consultation, we'll design personalised sessions that align with food preferences and sensitivities.
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Guidance: Our team will provide ongoing support and guidance for parents to implement food play techniques at home ensuring a consistent and positive approach.
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At Complete Dietetics, we believe that mealtimes should be a source of joy, growth, and connection. Through our food play sessions, we're excited to embark on this journey with you, supporting children in overcoming extreme picky eating with creativity, patience, and a responsive feeding approach.
Let's make mealtimes a time of celebration and discovery for everyone!
Welcome to Complete Dietetics - Your Trusted Dietitians
At Complete Dietetics, we're passionate about empowering individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to lead healthier and happier lives. Our expert team, led by experienced Accredited Practising Dietitians and Accredited Nutritionists, is dedicated to providing personalised nutrition advice tailored to each client's unique lifestyle, dietary preferences, and health goals.
Personalised Nutrition Counselling in Geelong
Located at our home clinic in Geelong (115 McKillop Street), and servicing clients from across the surf coast, south west Victoria, Melbourne and throughout each state in Australia (via our telehealth platform). Complete Dietetics offers a diverse range of nutrition counselling services designed to address your specific health concerns. Whether you're navigating eating concerns and difficulties, seeking support for digestive conditions, managing tube feeding, seeking advice for specific diseases such as cancer or Multiple Sclerosis, or simply striving for a healthier lifestyle, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.