Mealtime Management
Mealtime management supports children who experience challenges with eating. The focus is on reducing stress and supporting positive mealtime experiences.
Sensory and motor factors
Understanding how textures, tastes and movement impact eating.
Emotional and environmental factors
Supporting calm, predictable mealtimes.
Food exploration
Gently expanding food experiences at a comfortable pace.
Every child’s eating journey is unique.
Mealtime Management Assessment
A mealtime assessment may include:
- Parent interviews and mealtime history.
- Observation of eating and mealtime routines.
- Understanding sensory, motor and emotional factors.
- Identifying family goals.
The assessment guides safe and supportive strategies.
Mealtime Management Therapy
Mealtime therapy is gentle and family-centred. Therapy may:
- Reduce stress around meals.
- Support positive food exploration.
- Build skills for eating and participation.
- Empower families with practical strategies.
The focus is on calm, enjoyable family meals.
For more information on Mealtime Management, visit:
- The Eating and Mealtimes page on The Royal Children’s Hospital website: https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/speech/200101%20FandE%20Eating%20and%20Mealtimes%20A5%20Booklet_FA_WEB.pdf
The Treating Feeding and Eating Problems in Children with Occupational Therapy on the Nationwide Children’s website: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2024/05/treating-feeding-and-eating-problems-in-children