Some of my kids have SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder.) SPD is a condition in which your senses can’t process properly so sounds, smells, textures, sights, are distorted to where they are either heightened- lessened- or both. One out of every 20 kids has it! My oldest son’s main issues are with food. The smells make him feel sick, the texture annoys him, sounds of people eating make him ill. It is very upsetting at mealtime. He won’t eat practically anything at school so when he comes home he’s famished. The hardest part is he knows it’s irrational but just can’t help it.
I must admit. I have it too. I can remember getting so grossed out (at everyone) for smacking when they ate when I was a kid, and I still do honestly. One time, when I was 8 and at my first sleepover at a friend’s house, I woke up to find my host family so excited that they had made blueberry pancakes with maple syrup! (I detest the smell of blueberry pancakes AND maple syrup.) I ran out of the room and vomited. I couldn’t help it. I still can’t stand the smell.
Well,
At dinner we have battles sometimes. Mainly stemming from “But I can’t stand that. Why did you make THAT?” Then the other kids might chime in and start a chorus of whining that drives me insane.
So I’m trying something that I hope helps. I bought a cheap whiteboard calendar with a nice frame. Last night I had the kids help me “plan” the meals. We wrote the meals on the board and I’ll hang it prominently in the kitchen for all to see. Hope now if issues arise with any kid I can say “But my dear, you planned the meals, I didn’t.”
Wish me luck.
If you have time please learn more about SPD. Here is a great place to start.
Stopping by from SITS to say hello. My youngest has an anxiety disorder that makes mealtimes (and getting dressed and cutting hair, and oh, just about ANYTHING, haha) difficult, so I can really relate to your post.
Love your blog!
Hi BarnMaven! Thanks for visiting. He has anxiety issues too- haircuts, holidays, yeah, just about anything! Thanks for understanding.
I've never heard of that condition before, Michelle. I hope the calendar helps things run more smoothly…great idea!
Holy cow. I had no idea, in fact wasn't aware of SPD at all. What a whipping when you're preparing a family meal…
You're telling me! Or eating out, or vacationing…
That's a great idea! I'll have to try that with my oldest son. Another idea (if not all ready implemented) is to let them serve themselves. I've found this works with my 9 year old. He gets what he wants and the amount of food he wants. He usually cleans his plate!
Stopping by from SITS
Good luck! I tried something similar but was unable to keep up with it because of my husband's random working hours. When he isn't home for dinner, I tend to fall back on "kid food". 🙂 I hope it works for you!