We believe mealtimes should be a joyful and inclusive experience for all children, regardless of their abilities or additional needs. At Joyfull, we're taking significant steps to create a world where children with disabilities, sensory differences or individualised sensory needs can thrive and enjoy mealtimes with their families to the max.
We have lovingly designed our range of silicone feeding products and sensory mealtime games to support children's independence, develop their motor skills, and make eating a fun and engaging experience. This blog post will explore the importance of inclusive mealtime experiences and how Joyfull's products can create memorable mealtime moments for all, including those with an NDIS plan.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a crucial support system for Australians with permanent or significant disabilities under the age of 65. The NDIS focuses on early intervention and provides funding to participants so they can improve their skills, get access to their community and improve the overall quality of their lives. Joyfull is proud to align with NDIS’ ethos and we’re thrilled to do our part in supporting families on the NDIS by providing the resources required by the therapists, teachers, and parents who tirelessly work to help children overcome hurdles and reach their full potential.
Inclusive Mealtime Experiences
All children and families deserve to enjoy mealtimes gathering around the table. After all, dinner time isn't just about merely eating and nutrition. It's about connection with loved ones, conversation, participation and ultimately, belonging. Eating a meal is a full sensory experience too. (Read more about how eating includes the eight senses here).
If your child has developmental disabilities or delays, we appreciate that mealtimes can feel like a marathon. From selective eating to struggling to self-feed, to requiring nutrition via enteral feeding, we recognise the struggle that each mealtime can be.
Use the strategies that work for you and your child- and remember that these may change. Perfection is not the goal. The goalposts for a 'successful mealtime' should be set according to your and your family's unique needs- so count your wins accordingly. For example, if you have an 'extremely fussy' child, it's enough to serve food you know they will eat. If your primary battle is getting your child to leave what they are doing and come to the table for dinner, a regular schedule with empowering menu choices could help. Celebrate every minute your child stays at the table- even setting the table is a huge win.It's all about the baby steps- you're doing great!
Joyfull Mealtimes Feeding Products
There are many reasons why children might not eat at mealtimes but by understanding and addressing these challenges, you can help make mealtimes a positive experience for your whole family. For children who struggle to feed themselves, utensils that are too big or too small can make it even more difficult for children to eat on their own successfully. Also oversized traditional plates are not only too big, slippery and hard to manoeuvre, they also are not visually inviting for little eaters, so they don't motivate children to join us at the table. Remember, eating is a full sensory experience- we eat with our eyes too.
We made all our products with solving these problems in mind. Our silicone feeding products can help make self-feeding easier for your child. Our favourites include the Taste Tester Spoon Setand the Soft and Sleek Silicone Cup, both great for little hands. Our soft silicone suction plates and bowls are fun, colourful and inviting (as well as functional), making mealtimes more enjoyable for children. For our older children, we can’t go past our PLAYmat products to bring JOY to table. All our Joyfull products are designed by feeding therapist founder Emma Arntz, and you can find additional support and resources here.
Why Choose Joyfull Silicone Mealtime Products?
Our unique feeding sets are endorsed by healthcare professionals, such as clinicians, therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and other specialists supporting children with feeding differences. Our utensils nurture fine motor skills and promote independence. They have textured handles for growing hands to grip securely so children can relax and enjoy their meals comfortably.
We designed all of Joyfull's products to suit the needs of both busy parents and playful kids. The adjustable neck strap on our bibs ensures a perfect fit for every child, while the food-catching pocket stays open to catch spills and crumbs, making cleaning up quick and easy. Our feeding sets not only simplify mealtimes but also encourage a love for food and sensory exploration. They are perfect for home use, early education settings, and allied health professionals.
Our silicone suction plates and bowls are compatible with our Joyfull utensils and feature multiple sections to accommodate a variety of food items, making them suitable for all eaters- selective, picky, fussy, or tube-weaning. All our products are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup after mealtime.
Simple Ordering and NDIS Payment Options
At Joyfull, we understand the unique circumstances and preferences of our community. We know you have enough on your plate as it is (no pun intended), which is why we provide multiple ordering and payment options to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience if you have an NDIS plan:
1. Self-Managed Option: You can order your Joyfull Mealtimes products and pay upfront if you are self-managed. You will receive an invoice to submit to the NDIS for reimbursement. Once the funds are received, you can pay us directly.
2. Plan Managed Option: If the NDIS manages your plan, email us for a quote, then send this to your NDIS plan manager. Once we receive payment from the NDIS, we’ll pack up your Joyfull goodies and post them to you.
At Joyfull, no matter your family's unique needs, we understand that feeding your child is more than just providing them with nourishment; it is a chance to bond and create lasting memories. We are committed to providing the best products that promote independence and confidence so that your child can develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
Take a look around our shop today.