A letter from your little one this Christmas…
To my favorite grown-ups,
I can see that the twinkling lights and tinsel of Christmas and party season are upon us! But, before we get into the fun and festivities, let’s snuggle in for a bit of a heart-to-heart.
I know you’re busy (and maybe a little stressed?) right now, but I have five special holiday mealtime wishes to share with you to ensure that this season is ‘Joyfull’ for us.
Please continue to feed me what I know and like
In this big world of delicious discoveries, let me spill the baby beans: for me, food’s not just food.
It’s like playing in a sensory playground.
And when the taste adventures become too wild – too hot, too cold, too squishy, too strange – my little taste buds and sensors get overwhelmed.
Sometimes, I might not feel like eating or I might get upset at the table, but that’s just my way of letting you know that I’m not really coping. Please be patient with me; I can’t help it. I bet a snuggly hug from you will help me!
So, too many new experiences at once can be too big for me to cope with, but here’s a good tip for you: If I’m craving a combo of chicken nuggets and peanut butter sandwiches at the Christmas feast, roll with it! Trusting that I’ll have something familiar at the table, and trusting you will help me when I need it is the perfect recipe – both for my tummy and our bond.
A change in routine might impact my sleep and appetite
With the extra excitement, being passed around from person to person, and the changes to my regular rhythm, my sleep will probably be disrupted. And then when I’m tired and cranky, mealtimes might be extra tricky.
It’s okay to let my routine go for a few days. I want us all to enjoy this time with our family and friends without you having to stress about my sleep. And no need to stress – it’s just a holiday remix of my routine! I’ll get back on track again.
There are times when I might need some movement because, you know, I’m not really built for sitting still for too long. If I seem a bit overwhelmed, could you take me outside or even to the local park for a swing?
On the other hand, a quiet cuddle in another room away from all the noise and action could be just what I need. Also, when we’re out and about, I can catch some Zs, so you might want to pop me in the carrier, pram, or car for a power nap. It could do wonders for recharging my mini batteries!
It’s totally fine if I eat more than you expect
Picture me as a pint-sized food explorer. If I’m all about the bread (and the bread only!) or want a third helping of that yummy pavlova, let it happen.
Please know that I’m learning about appetite regulation. It’s all new for me, and that’s okay.
Remember that there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods. Food is food. I love it when you eat with me and it’s so good to hear you speak positively about what you’re munching on…
Show me how much you enjoy the potato salad as much as you do the Christmas pudding. Tell me about the flavours, the textures, the smells, and the colours. I find it all super fascinating!
It’s best if I don’t hear talk about bodies or diets
You might not realise this but while I’m little, we’re building a foundation for my lifelong friendship with food. Right now it’s about building my confidence in trying a wonderful range of new foods, and understanding my body when I feel hungry or full (or overstuffed).
I want to eat what feels and tastes good, and observe the grown-ups around me loving their body in all their shapes and sizes. When diets and resolutions sneak into the dinner banter, it throws me for a loop. I just want to enjoy food and witness grown-ups rocking their bodies in all shapes and sizes.
The way we talk about food and our bodies is a big deal. I’m learning, exploring this world of mine, and trying to figure out how my body fits in.
Expect that other grown-ups might have advice on my picky eating
You know I’m still learning to try and like new foods (I prefer not to be labelled ‘fussy’), but you might receive some advice from family and friends (even if you didn’t ask for it!). They don’t know me like you do. We’re a team, so here are some things that will help us both when I don’t feel comfortable eating what everyone else is eating.
- Offer me a pre-meal snack so that I don’t come to the table hungry, faced with food that looks unusual and daunting.
- If I’m too jazzed to sit still at the table, remember, it’s just one meal in a whole year. Sit me on your lap or put me down to play.
- Make sure you have packed my special placemat, bowls, cups, forks, or spoons so I feel like I have my familiar mealtime toolkit at the ready.
- Don’t let it get to you if someone looks disappointed when I don’t eat what they’re offering. I’m not doing it to hurt their feelings.
- If Nana’s place doesn’t have a high chair, please take one (or a booster seat). Being comfortable and close to the table makes me feel like part of the crew; not like I’m all alone during this new and tricky situation.
- Have confidence in your parenting and the decisions you make as a family (I personally think you’re amazing!). Only you can decide what works best for us. If someone starts dishing out advice? A nod and a smile in their direction – that’ll do the trick!
When in doubt, offer me a break and spend some time connecting one-on-one with me. You are my safe space and my calm when I need it most. Give me time to decompress with you to help regulate my nervous system – the secret ingredient to help me sleep and cope better during mealtimes!
So, let’s shift focus as we whirl through this festive season together. Let’s dive into those cheesy bon-bon jokes, the belly laughs, and the love that fills the room.
With sparkly Christmas love,
Your Little One