Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Exploring textures and getting messy is more than just fun – it’s an essential part of a child's feeding journey. This kind of hands-on experience helps children become more comfortable with a variety of foods, building confidence one playful bite at a time.

Why Getting Messy Matters:

• Building Sensory Tolerance: For children who struggle with feeding, touching and interacting with a variety of textures helps reduce sensory sensitivities over time.

• Developing Oral Motor Skills: Messy play encourages the use of fingers, hands, and mouths in ways that build important motor skills for feeding.

• Reducing Food Aversions: Allowing children to experience food through touch can make them feel more comfortable when it comes time to taste or chew.

• Creating Positive Food Experiences: Making food fun and playful can reduce mealtime stress, turning it into a time for bonding and discovery.

Ideas for Messy Play at Home:

• Finger painting with pudding or yogurt

• Building towers with crackers or soft fruits

• Exploring different textures like whipped cream, mashed potatoes, or applesauce

• Using cookie cutters to make fun shapes in soft foods

Let’s get messy and encourage your child to explore the wonderful world of food! These little steps make a big difference on the road to confident, joyful eating.

Warm Regards,

Esther A. L. Verbovszky, M.A. CCC-SLP Star Center Foundation