Taylor Made Learning LLC

🇺🇸 ❤️ Memorial Day at Taylor Made Learning ❤️ 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Because of their courage, dedication, and selflessness, we are blessed with freedoms that allow our children to learn, grow, play, and dream.
As early childhood educators and caregivers, we recognize that even our youngest children can begin learning important values like gratitude, kindness, service, and remembering those who have helped make our communities strong.

Today we encourage families to take a moment together — share a story, say a prayer, visit a memorial, wave a flag, or simply talk about what it means to care for others and serve with love.
From our Taylor Made Learning family to yours, we remember. We honor. We thank those who gave everything. ❤️🤍💙

Tips for Supporting Picky Eaters (Especially Children with Sensory Sensitivities)

🍎 1. Respect that food sensitivities are real
Some children are not being “difficult.” Certain textures, temperatures, smells, colors, or mixed foods can feel overwhelming to children with sensory sensitivities.
🥄 2. Offer tiny “learning portions”
Place a very small amount of a new food alongside familiar favorites. A pea-sized taste reduces pressure.
⏰ 3. Keep a predictable meal routine
Regular meal and snack times help children know what to expect and can reduce mealtime anxiety.
👀 4. Let children explore food without pressure
Touching, smelling, squishing, licking, or simply looking at food are important steps toward acceptance.
🧀 5. Pair preferred foods with new foods
Serve a familiar “safe food” with something unfamiliar.
Example:
Crackers + hummus
Mac and cheese + peas
Chicken nuggets + roasted carrots
🌈 6. Consider sensory characteristics
Notice patterns:
Prefers crunchy foods?
Avoids mushy textures?
Dislikes mixed foods?
Sensitive to strong smells?
Prefers foods separated?
These clues can guide food choices.
👩🏽‍🍳 7. Involve children in food preparation
Washing fruit, stirring ingredients, pouring, or choosing vegetables builds comfort and familiarity.
😊 8. Keep mealtimes calm and pressure-free
Avoid:
❌ “Just take one bite.”
❌ “You can’t leave until you finish.”
Try:
✅ “You don’t have to eat it, but it can stay on your plate.”
🍓 9. Offer foods multiple times
A child may need to see a food 10–20+ times before accepting it.
🥤 10. Watch beverages before meals
Too much milk or juice before eating can reduce hunger.
🎨 11. Make food visually approachable
Children with sensory needs often respond better to:
Foods separated on plates
Simple presentations
Familiar colors
Consistent shapes
🏃🏽 12. Build movement into the day
Active play before meals can support regulation and appetite.
🧩 13. Pay attention to sensory overload
Bright lights, loud sounds, crowded tables, or strong smells may make eating harder.
👏 14. Celebrate progress, not perfection
Progress can look like:
✔ Looking at food
✔ Touching food
✔ Smelling food
✔ Licking food
✔ Taking one bite
Every step matters.
🩺 15. Talk with professionals if concerns are significant
If a child eats very few foods, struggles with weight gain, gags often, or mealtimes feel highly stressful, talk with your pediatrician or feeding specialist.
💛 Reminder for Parents & Caregivers:
Children thrive when food feels safe, predictable, and pressure-free. Patience, consistency, and small steps can make a big difference.