Tips + Resources
Over the years I've gathered tips and strategies that have helped many families foster positive feeding relationships with their children, and encourage communication development through language rich environments.
This section of the website will continue to be updated so make sure you check back regularly. I aim to have tips for parents and resources for professionals all in one easy place for you to locate and share.
Feeding Questionnaire
An amazing free tool for families, the "Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire© for identifying challenges with nutrition, feeding, and growth".
If you are uncertain about whether your child could benefit from feeding therapy, this questionnaire is designed to help. By reflecting on your child's feeding habits and behaviours, you gain a holistic understanding of their needs. This tool can help you identify potential red flags that might warrant further assessment or a discussion with a healthcare professional.
I encourage you to print out the completed questionnaire and bring it along when speaking with your child's GP or Paediatrician. It is a free resource to support you in advocating for your child's wellbeing.
To learn more about the new diagnosis of Paediatric Feeding Disorder, the Feeding Matters organisation has a wealth of knowledge.
Children's Storybook
Big Words for Little Tongues
Now available on Amazon! Developed by Speech Language Therapists for preschool children. Written by now retired SLT Iris Hambling and Illustrated by SLT Stella Karaman. Get your kindle copy here
"Big Words for Little Tongues" is a delightful picture book designed in New Zealand for preschoolers who are just starting to explore language. As toddlers learn to talk, it's normal for them to mix up sounds or stumble over longer words. This often happens because they're still getting the hang of listening carefully and their little tongues are figuring out how to make all the right movements.
The "tricky words" in this book have been carefully chosen and tested with New Zealand preschoolers, starting with easy words and gradually getting more challenging. Reading this book together could be a fun way to support your child's listening, pronunciation and language skills.
Video Resources
My first YouTube video!
Many parents struggle with babies and toddlers who hate having their faces wiped! You can actually use the tips we discuss in this video to apply to other things your children may be less than pleased with, such as teeth brushing!
Using respectful, playful foundations is a key part of my therapy approach.
Straw drinking hack!
Is your little one having a hard time figuring out how to suck from a straw? While many children take to this skill easily, it can be a struggle for some. I always encourage open cup drinking for the benefits of oral motor development and using our mouth in a different way when transitioning from sucking on bottles or at the breast. However straws do come in handy! And this is a low cost way for you to try at home. There are some great flexible silicone cup options out there too.
Was this helpful for you? What other videos would you like to see?
Let me know if videos like this interest you and I can make some more! Thanks for watching.
Feeding Fridays
Join me Fridays on Instagram to chat all things infant and paediatric feeding! It’s a great chance for you to ask those curious questions and get insights from a healthcare professional. Please note, while these chats are informative, they are not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor or feeding team for specific recommendations.
Looking forward to connecting with you and helping you navigate your client or child’s feeding journey!
Have ideas for tips and resources you'd like to see here?
In the meantime, explore videos and more across my social media channels linked below.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an Amazon link on this site and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.