Until I started talking about our own struggle, I didn't know so many kiddos struggled with eating at some point. I'm so glad that I opened up because it brought us Melanie and her magic! The things we keep to ourselves because of pride or shame do nothing but keep us isolated. I knew my big mouth would eventually lead to some rewards!
Melanie taught N a few important skills to not gag while she was eating her eggs. The only thing holding her back at this point is her lingering trepidation about letting herself actually enjoy this thing that was her nemesis for so long.
This is Food Allergy Awareness Week and it will culminate with the FARE Conference this weekend. Melanie is on a panel discussing feeding kids with food allergies and she is including N's story as a part of her talk. Last night she came over to video N tackling her egg. She is allowing me to share the video also because we have the common goal of trying to help children and families as they navigate this food allergy road.
(Scroll to the bottom of the page)
1)Put the egg on your back molar (avoiding the front of the tongue) and chomp down really hard! Show that egg who is boss!
2) Grip your glass tightly and wash the egg back, off the tongue with a straw.
3) You can include a game -like Buckaroo- where you get to put something on the donkeys back every time you take a bite until it bucks. This refocuses her attention to the game.
4) If you gag, take a drink of water. You cant gag and swallow at the same time.
I am happy to report that these same skills helped me overcome that mushroom aversion as well! Just in time for Paris!
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