"Smorgie" (pronounced shmorgy with playfulness)
Here are some key resources that have helped me in my parenting journey. Many of these resources are still in daily use in our family. I thought I would share in case you might be able to use it in your journey.
The Smorgie
One of our children has been a snacker since her first day on dry land. She nursed every hour on the hour for many weeks and months. I was told by seasoned moms, new moms, and expert parenting books that I needed to stretch out my girl's feeding, let her wail a bit, and then she would eat for longer than 5min. on both breasts together. I let her wail. She ate efficiently for 5min. on both breasts. Then, wanted to nurse again in an hour. Her feeding stretches got longer as she got older but not because I changed anything. A very wise pediatrician friend told me to chill and let her be a snacker because she was an efficient feeder. Soon after, I surrendered to my girl's eating rhythm. While this was challenging along the way, I made it a point to not have food battles with her or any of my children. As she got older, I created the tapas-style "Smorgie" (short for smorgasbord). I put a protein, carb, vegetable, and fruit on bowls on a lazy susan platter or dip/chip type small bowls on a tray. I would serve it up next to my girl when I knew it was time for her to get something in her before a bigger meal later on. Many children, especially neurodiverse children, do not have a strong signal for hunger like the world wishes they did. When their blood sugar dips, their sensory processing can get even more sensitive and nothing will taste or smell right. So, waiting until a full meal often is not an option for those of us whose blood sugar needs a boost before we get so hungry we go into full shutdown mode. Here is a picture of our famous "smorgie"
The "smorgie" has also been a great strategy for times just before transitions or just after. For example, when your child comes home from a sensory-packed or social activity he/she might not sit to eat because he/she needs decompressing time alone in silence. This is a great time for a smorgie. Or, perhaps just before getting ready to do a high-sensory activity such as a birthday party or movie outing. Enjoy and leave your comments below as you wish :)
Light and warmth for your courageous unfolding!
-Patricia
The Smorgie
One of our children has been a snacker since her first day on dry land. She nursed every hour on the hour for many weeks and months. I was told by seasoned moms, new moms, and expert parenting books that I needed to stretch out my girl's feeding, let her wail a bit, and then she would eat for longer than 5min. on both breasts together. I let her wail. She ate efficiently for 5min. on both breasts. Then, wanted to nurse again in an hour. Her feeding stretches got longer as she got older but not because I changed anything. A very wise pediatrician friend told me to chill and let her be a snacker because she was an efficient feeder. Soon after, I surrendered to my girl's eating rhythm. While this was challenging along the way, I made it a point to not have food battles with her or any of my children. As she got older, I created the tapas-style "Smorgie" (short for smorgasbord). I put a protein, carb, vegetable, and fruit on bowls on a lazy susan platter or dip/chip type small bowls on a tray. I would serve it up next to my girl when I knew it was time for her to get something in her before a bigger meal later on. Many children, especially neurodiverse children, do not have a strong signal for hunger like the world wishes they did. When their blood sugar dips, their sensory processing can get even more sensitive and nothing will taste or smell right. So, waiting until a full meal often is not an option for those of us whose blood sugar needs a boost before we get so hungry we go into full shutdown mode. Here is a picture of our famous "smorgie"
The "smorgie" has also been a great strategy for times just before transitions or just after. For example, when your child comes home from a sensory-packed or social activity he/she might not sit to eat because he/she needs decompressing time alone in silence. This is a great time for a smorgie. Or, perhaps just before getting ready to do a high-sensory activity such as a birthday party or movie outing. Enjoy and leave your comments below as you wish :)
Light and warmth for your courageous unfolding!
-Patricia
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