Many parents go through a season where mealtimes feel frustrating, unpredictable, or emotionally draining. One day a child happily eats a favorite food, and the next day that same food is pushed away without warning. It is common for parents to wonder whether they are dealing with a normal picky eating phase or whether there may be something deeper going on.

The truth is that some selective eating behaviors are a normal part of development, especially in toddlers and young children. At the same time, there are situations where feeding challenges begin to affect a child’s nutrition, confidence, sensory regulation, family routines, and overall development. When that happens, it may be time to take a closer look.

For families in the Jacksonville area, feeding therapy can provide support, answers, and a path forward. At Bloom Behavioral Solutions, feeding therapy is approached with compassion, patience, and a clear understanding that every child develops differently. The goal is not to force a child through stressful meals. The goal is to help children build trust, comfort, and functional mealtime skills in a supportive environment.

What Is Picky Eating?

Picky eating is a term parents often use to describe a child who is selective about food, resists trying new things, or has a short list of accepted meals and snacks. In many cases, picky eating comes and goes with age and developmental stage. A child may prefer familiar foods, reject certain textures, or go through temporary periods of strong food preferences.

That by itself does not always mean a child needs therapy.

However, when food refusal becomes intense, persistent, or disruptive, it may point to challenges that deserve further evaluation. Some children are not just being “picky.” They may be experiencing sensory sensitivities, oral motor difficulties, anxiety around meals, communication challenges, or developmental needs that make eating much harder than it appears from the outside.

This is one reason it can be so helpful for families to work with a team that understands the broader developmental picture. Feeding concerns may overlap with support areas such as occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis, or speech therapy, depending on the child’s needs.

When Picky Eating May Be Something More

Parents know their children better than anyone. If something feels off, that instinct matters. There are several signs that a child’s feeding difficulties may go beyond typical picky eating.

You may want to consider feeding therapy if your child:

• Eats a very limited number of foods and struggles to expand beyond them
• Has strong reactions to textures, smells, temperatures, or the appearance of food
• Gags, coughs, or has difficulty chewing certain foods
• Avoids entire food groups
• Becomes distressed at mealtimes
• Refuses to sit at the table or participate in family meals
• Has difficulty transitioning from purees to solids or from one texture to another
• Shows signs of delayed self-feeding skills
• Experiences mealtimes as a daily struggle that affects the whole family

Any one of these signs may be worth discussing, especially if the pattern is ongoing or beginning to affect daily life. Parents are often told to “just wait it out,” but the earlier a child’s needs are understood, the more opportunity there is to support positive progress.

Why Feeding Challenges Deserve Early Attention

Mealtime difficulties do not only affect nutrition. They can affect family stress, social experiences, school readiness, independence, and a child’s comfort with new environments.

Children learn a great deal through daily routines, and mealtimes are full of developmental opportunities. Eating can involve sensory processing, motor planning, communication, flexibility, emotional regulation, and social interaction. When one or more of those areas feels hard for a child, feeding challenges can become a bigger part of life than many people realize.

That is why early support matters. Addressing feeding concerns early can help children build confidence, reduce stress around meals, and develop skills that support long-term growth.

At Bloom Behavioral Solutions, early support is part of a larger commitment to helping children thrive in natural, child-centered ways. Depending on age and need, families may also benefit from programs such as Petit Sprouts Early Intensive Intervention, which provides structured support during key developmental windows.

What Causes Feeding Difficulties?

Feeding challenges can happen for many reasons, and often there is more than one factor involved. A child may have sensory sensitivities that make certain textures feel overwhelming. Another child may have oral motor weakness or coordination issues that make chewing and swallowing more difficult. Some children may have had negative experiences around food, which can create anxiety or resistance during meals.

In other cases, feeding issues may be connected to communication differences, developmental delays, or broader behavioral patterns. This is why a thoughtful, individualized approach matters so much. Instead of assuming a child is just stubborn or difficult, a quality feeding therapy program looks at the why behind the behavior.

That kind of perspective is important because it helps parents feel understood too. Most families are doing the best they can. They do not need judgment. They need guidance, practical support, and a team that can help make daily life easier.

What Feeding Therapy Looks Like

For many parents, the term feeding therapy can sound intimidating at first. In reality, effective feeding therapy is typically supportive, gradual, and relationship-based.

At its core, feeding therapy helps children become more comfortable with food, more capable at mealtime, and more confident in the skills they need to eat safely and successfully. Depending on the child, therapy may focus on tolerating food nearby, engaging with food through play, improving oral motor skills, expanding accepted foods, or building routines that reduce stress and improve participation.

The pace matters. Trust matters. A child who feels pressured or overwhelmed is less likely to make meaningful progress. A child who feels safe, understood, and supported is far more likely to build positive associations with eating over time.

That approach fits well within Bloom’s family-centered model. Children often benefit most when support is integrated into a broader understanding of their development, communication, sensory profile, and social engagement.

How Feeding Therapy Connects to Other Areas of Development

Feeding does not exist in a vacuum. A child’s mealtime success is often connected to many other developmental areas.

For example, a child who has sensory processing challenges may also benefit from occupational therapy. A child who struggles to communicate wants, needs, or discomfort around food may also benefit from speech therapy. A child who has difficulty with routines, transitions, or behavior related to meals may also benefit from ABA services.

That is one of the strengths of a collaborative setting. Families are not left trying to figure out each piece in isolation. They can work with a team that sees how feeding may relate to other aspects of development and daily function.

For some children, social opportunities can also support growth. Programs like Super Sprouts Social Group and Daffodil Social Club may help reinforce communication, social participation, and comfort in group settings, which can also influence confidence and flexibility in everyday routines.

What Parents Can Do if They Are Unsure

If you are on the fence, that is completely understandable. Many loving, attentive parents ask themselves whether they are overreacting or whether they should wait a little longer.

A better question may be this: would it help to learn more now, instead of waiting until mealtimes become even more stressful?

You do not need to have all the answers before taking the next step. Curiosity is enough. Concern is enough. If you have noticed persistent struggles with food, texture, chewing, variety, or mealtime participation, it may be worth exploring what support could look like.

One gentle way to begin is by learning more about the environment and meeting the team. Curious parents are encouraged to request a tour and get a feel for Bloom’s approach in person.

A Supportive Next Step for Jacksonville Families

There is no prize for waiting until things feel overwhelming. There is real value in getting trusted guidance early, especially when a child’s feeding needs may be affecting daily life at home.

Whether your child is showing signs of persistent picky eating, sensory-related food avoidance, or broader mealtime challenges, support is available. Bloom Behavioral Solutions offers a warm, thoughtful approach that respects the child, supports the family, and looks at development as a whole.

Parents deserve more than generic advice. They deserve clear direction, compassionate care, and a plan that makes sense for their child.

If you are ready to learn more about support options, you can request services here.

Feeding challenges can feel isolating, but families do not have to navigate them alone. With the right support, mealtimes can become more peaceful, progress can become more possible, and children can build skills that serve them well far beyond the table.

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the small milestones, the unique personality traits, and the subtle changes in behavior or development. But sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether a delay or challenge is simply part of growing up—or a sign that your child may benefit from additional support.

Early intervention therapy is designed to help children build essential skills during the most important stages of development. At Bloom Behavioral Solutions, we work with families throughout Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, and surrounding areas to provide individualized, play-based therapy that supports each child’s growth.

If you’re wondering whether your child could benefit from early intervention, here are some key signs to look for.

Delays in Speech or Communication

One of the most common indicators that a child may benefit from early intervention therapy is delayed speech or difficulty communicating. This can include:

• Limited vocabulary for their age
• Difficulty forming words or sentences
• Not responding to their name
• Trouble following simple directions

Communication challenges can impact a child’s ability to express needs, interact socially, and build confidence. Early support through speech therapy can help children develop language skills in a natural, engaging way.

Difficulty with Social Interaction

If your child struggles to engage with others, this may be a sign they could benefit from additional support. Signs to watch for include:

• Limited eye contact
• Difficulty playing with peers
• Lack of interest in social interaction
• Challenges with turn-taking or sharing

Social development is critical in early childhood. Programs like Bloom’s Super Sprouts Social Group are designed to help children build these skills in a supportive, structured environment.

Behavioral Challenges or Difficulty with Transitions

All children experience frustration, but frequent or intense behavioral challenges may indicate a need for support. This can include:

• Frequent meltdowns or tantrums
• Difficulty transitioning between activities
• Repetitive behaviors
• Difficulty with attention or focus

Through evidence-based approaches like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), children can learn coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and build positive behaviors that support long-term success.

Delays in Fine Motor or Daily Living Skills

Children develop motor skills at different rates, but noticeable delays may benefit from early intervention. Signs include:

• Difficulty holding utensils, crayons, or small objects
• Challenges with dressing, feeding, or brushing teeth
• Poor coordination or balance

These skills are essential for independence and confidence. Occupational therapy helps children strengthen fine motor abilities and develop the skills needed for everyday activities.

Feeding Difficulties or Sensory Sensitivities

Feeding challenges can be stressful for both children and parents. Some common signs include:

• Limited food preferences or picky eating
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Strong aversions to certain textures or smells

These issues are often connected to sensory processing or oral motor development. Bloom offers specialized feeding therapy to help children build a healthier relationship with food in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Not Meeting Developmental Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but consistent delays in key milestones may indicate the need for early intervention. These can include:

• Not walking, talking, or gesturing within expected timeframes
• Limited play skills or imagination
• Difficulty learning new skills

Early intervention programs, like Bloom’s Petit Sprouts Early Intensive Intervention Program, are designed to provide structured, individualized support during these critical developmental years.

Trust Your Instincts as a Parent

Perhaps the most important sign is your own intuition. If something feels off, it’s always worth exploring further. Early intervention does not mean something is “wrong”—it simply means your child is getting the support they need to thrive.

Research consistently shows that the earlier children receive support, the better their long-term outcomes. Addressing challenges early can help build confidence, improve independence, and set the foundation for future success.

What Early Intervention Looks Like

At Bloom Behavioral Solutions, therapy is designed to feel natural, engaging, and child-led. Our team uses a play-based approach to help children develop skills in a comfortable and supportive environment.

If you’d like to learn more about what sessions look like, we encourage you to read our in-depth guide: Early Intervention in a Natural, Play-Based Environment: What Sessions Look Like.

Serving Families Across Jacksonville and the Beaches

Bloom Behavioral Solutions proudly serves families throughout Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, and St. Johns County. Our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality therapy services that meet each child where they are.

Take the Next Step

If you recognize any of these signs in your child, you are not alone—and support is available. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your child’s development and overall well-being.

Contact Bloom today to schedule an evaluation and learn how our team can help your child grow, learn, and thrive.

The “no thank you” bowl protocol is an intervention designed to shape inappropriate mealtime behaviors for children that are selective eaters.

Individuals that are highly selective with food may exhibit dysfunctional behaviors when presented with nonpreferred consumables. Such behaviors may include tantrums, throwing food, elopement from the table, etc. Mealtimes for children, especially young children, can be very difficult and problematic for the whole family. Some families may make separate “kid meals” for their children to avoid maladaptive mealtime behaviors.

The “no thank you” bowl protocol is designed to allow selective eaters to properly dispose of their food while making physical contact with the food. Physical contact with nonpreferred consumables is vital to the shaping progression toward consumption. To be ok with what we are putting in our bodies, we must first be ok with it on the outside of our bodies. This is a fundamental pre-requisite step toward trying new foods.

The “no thank you” bowl does not have to be a specific bowl at each meal, but it’s important that it is present. If you are preparing a specific meal for your selective eater, it’s important that whatever the family is eating is on the child’s plate. If they do not want it, then they simply place the unwanted food in the bowl. This may be modeled for them. If your child is not yet ready to have unwanted contents on their plate, then the family meal should start on a separate plate next to theirs. Hand over hand prompting may be necessary to teach your child to place the contents in the bowl.

Please remember this can be a long process, so it’s not a race to get everything right immediately. When it comes to feeding interventions, taking it slow is key. We want to ensure that we are not inadvertently pairing a bad experience with food. The end goal is that food is good! Please take your time, happier and healthier mealtimes are on the horizon for your family!

Genevieve Covington, M.A., BCBA
Founder & Feeding Specialist

Selective or “picky” eating (PE) often plagues families with small(ish) children.

Mealtimes can wreak havoc on parents and have them wanting to avoid mealtimes with their kids. As a parent myself of two toddlers, I am well versed in what is deemed “yucky”. My three-year-old son can dig his way the center of the earth in mud, but a small change in the way a food item looks is “yucky”; and even an absurd thought to imagine he would try it. A homemade blueberry muffin that does NOT resemble his mini beloved Publix muffins, can NOT actually taste good! My three-year-old daughter can eat her weight in string cheese, but this version of mozzarella that she asks for daily is NOT the same as shredded mozzarella. In fact, if there is cheese in her treasured salads, hell hath no fury!

Young children are very irrational thinkers and explorers. Nope definitely can’t wear the Spiderman shirt I’ve been wearing for weeks, that’s ridiculous to even consider! However, I will take this button I found and see how far it can go up my nose. Such ridiculous rules of thought can be humorous at times, even endearing. However, when it comes to their basic nutritional needs to survive, it can be a daunting and very frustrating argument to have with a young child. In this article I will discuss some helpful tips and simple control techniques to implement in the home setting.

Mealtimes should be a well-established routine. This does NOT mean a specific time of day, although  that can be helpful to reduce over-snacking (more on that next month). There should be some format  of a “warning” that a mealtime is approaching. This is important because mealtimes typically disrupt a preferred activity like playing outside, or watching T.V. When we’re given a warning that something is  going to happen soon, it helps us mentally prepare. The countdown can be something as simple as a  verbal notice, a kitchen timer, or a visual timer is always helpful for children with developmental  delays.

The next step is to ensure you are enforcing the mealtime. This means if you must chase and  physically bring your child to the table then that is simply how it must be. This is not forever, just  until there is established parental stimulus control with mealtimes. Plus your fitbit will be happy you  did all that chasing!

It’s important that each family member has the same contents on their plates. They do not have to eat  each item, but it’s important to establish the idea that what mommy or daddy eats is not just for  grown-ups. Often parents will make two meals, one for the kids and one for the adults. Not only is  this a giant pain for caregivers, but it teaches that certain foods are designated for certain eaters.

There should be a No Thank You plate or bowl. This is designed to teach them that they don’t have to  like everything, but they can’t speak negatively (emotion words like “yucky”) about food, throw it, feed  to the dog, etc. They must “respect the plate”. This dish serves as the container where undesired  consumables go to live out their lives before being packed up with the remaining leftovers.  

The No Thank You dish also requires the child to interact with the food. Physical interaction with a  consumable is frequently the first step prior to oral placement. The No Thank You dish is not going  to be a permanent fixture on the table, just until your little eaters have an established routine and  develop a more adventurous palate.  

When does the mealtime end? The mealtime should end when all participants are satiated.  Consuming a specified quantity should NOT signal it’s time for dessert. This can lessen the volume of  nutritious intake. For instance, when a child is informed that they can have ice cream after they finish  their asparagus, it signals them to stop at a certain point visually. Asparagus gone=end of meal=ice  cream. If they are told that the mealtime is over after the family and guests are also finished, it allows  them more time to consume what’s on their plates and develop better mealtime manners. Bargaining  can also unintentionally create a reinforcement valence. We never want to suggest that eating  something healthy is not a fun and enjoyable experience. If a child is used to having a treat after a  meal, it’s a good idea to shape this routine into something more appropriate. Try stating something  like “yes we do have brownies, but we’re going to eat them later not right after dinner”.  

The final tip is to end a mealtime with having the children assist in cleanup. This is not only helpful  for caregivers, but it helps to establish the finality of mealtimes. I find that my own children really  find this as an amusing family affair. They really enjoy being able to pack up leftovers, place dishes in  the dishwasher and wipe off the table.  

Bonus tip- When creating a new mealtime routine, it can be very helpful if you start in a different setting. Take mealtime outside! This time of year is perfect for outdoor dining. Eating outdoors and  establishing the new mealtime routine can easily be transferred when resuming indoor dining. Mealtimes outdoors doesn’t have to be a repeated affair. It easily can take just one time to set the new  expectations.  

I hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks, and enjoy happier and healthier mealtimes with your families!

By: Genevieve Covington, M.A., BCBA
Founder & Feeding Intervention Specialist