SEARCH RESULTS

Written by: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Family Engagement Coordinator As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to help your child set goals that will set them up for success—whether in school, at home, or in their personal life. As parents, you play a key role in helping your child identify what they want to achieve and how they can get there. Setting goals teaches kids about responsibility, planning, and perseverance, but it’s important to make the process engaging and realistic. Start with Small Steps Big goals can feel overwhelming for kids, so it’s helpful to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your child wants to improve their grades, a good first step might be setting aside 15 minutes each night to review their classwork. Or if they’re interested in trying a new sport, start with an introductory class or practice at home. These small wins give your child a sense of accomplishment, which builds confidence and motivation. Examples of "Small Wins": Improving Homework Habits Goal : Complete homework right after school for 15 minutes each day. Smaller Steps: 1. Set a timer for 5 minutes and work on a small task (e.g., reading a few pages of a textbook or solving 3 math problems). 2. Take a 5-minute break to stretch or grab a snack. 3. Set another timer for 5 minutes to finish the remaining homework. Reading Improvement Goal: Read for 10 minutes each night before bed. Smaller Steps: 1. Choose a short story or picture book that interests your child. 2. Read the first page together and discuss the pictures. 3. Let your child read a sentence or two out loud, with your help if needed. 4. Celebrate by asking them about their favorite part of the story. Developing Social Skills Goal: Practice saying “please” and “thank you” in different social situations. Smaller Steps: 1. Role-play with your child different scenarios where they can use polite phrases, like asking for something or receiving a gift. 2. Practice saying “please” and “thank you” in front of a mirror or with you, using different tones and facial expressions. 3. In real-life situations (e.g., asking for a snack or when a family member does something kind for them), gently prompt your child to use these phrases. 4. Praise them each time they remember to say “please” or “thank you,” highlighting how it makes others feel appreciated. Make It a Family Affair Goal-setting doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Sit down as a family and discuss the goals each member would like to focus on in the new year. When kids see you setting your own goals, it models the importance of working toward something meaningful. You can work together to track progress and celebrate achievements, whether it’s a special dinner, a sticker chart, or simply acknowledging their hard work. Be Supportive and Flexible Remember that goal-setting isn’t about perfection. It’s about making progress, and there will be bumps along the way. Encourage your child to stick with it, even when things get tough. If a goal isn’t working out, it’s okay to reassess and adjust the plan. The most important part is staying supportive and showing them that it’s okay to keep trying, even after setbacks. Celebrating progress, no matter how small, is key. Whether it’s recognizing improved study habits or the completion of a new project, reinforcing positive behavior motivates your child to continue moving forward. The new year is a fresh start, and by working together on goals, you’re teaching your child important life skills that will last a lifetime. By setting and achieving goals together, you’re not only helping your child succeed but also strengthening your bond as a family. So, take the time to sit down, get inspired, and set those goals—it’s the perfect way to kick off a successful year!

Written by Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Reading aloud to your baby is one of the best things you can do to support their early development. Even before your baby can understand words, hearing your voice helps them feel comforted, builds brain connections, and introduces them to language. Here is a simple guide on how and why to start reading to your little one.  Why Read Aloud to Your Baby?  Bonding Time : Reading aloud is a special way to connect with your baby. Your voice is familiar and soothing, which helps them feel secure.  Language Development : Hearing words helps your baby begin to recognize sounds and speech patterns. This sets the foundation for talking and understanding language later on.  Cognitive Growth : Every time you read to your baby, you’re stimulating their brain and supporting memory, imagination, and listening skills.  Building a Love of Books : Introducing books early makes reading a natural and enjoyable part of life. This positive association will encourage a love for reading as they grow.  Tips for Reading to Newborns and Infants  Start Early : You can begin reading to your baby as early as birth! Even though they don’t understand words, they love the sound of your voice.  Choose Simple Books : Books with bright colors, simple pictures, and rhythmic or repetitive language are great choices for infants. Board books are sturdy and easy for little hands to grab.  Use Expression : Babies are fascinated by the sound of your voice, so don’t be afraid to use lots of expression, vary your pitch, and add sound effects. This keeps them engaged and makes the experience more fun.  Short and Sweet : Newborns and young infants have short attention spans, so a few minutes at a time is all you need. You can build up the time as they grow.  Make It Part of Your Routine : Find a consistent time each day to read to your baby—whether it’s during feedings, before naps, or bedtime. This creates a comforting routine they will come to expect and enjoy.  Books to Get You Started  "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown  "Peek-a-Who?" by Nina Laden  "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr.  "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney  Reading aloud to your baby not only supports their growth but also creates precious moments between you and your child. It’s never too early to start! Whether you’re reading a few lines from a book or simply narrating your day, your baby will love hearing your voice and learning the wonders of language.  Start small, have fun, and enjoy the journey of discovering stories together!

Written by: Frances Reyes, UCP Transitional Learning Academy Assistant Principal Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child's educational journey, and encouraging a love for learning is one of the most impactful gifts they can provide. When parents actively support their child's education, they instill a sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge that lasts a lifetime. By fostering an environment where education is valued, parents not only help their children achieve academic success but also equip them with essential life skills. This encouragement creates a foundation for resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, when parents champion their child's education, they open doors to opportunities that can transform lives. Here are 10 tips for parents to encourage their children to go to school: 1. Create a Positive Environment: Make the home a place where education is valued. Discuss school positively and show enthusiasm for learning. 2. Establish a Routine : Set a consistent daily schedule that includes regular bedtimes and wake-up times, making mornings smoother and reducing stress. 3. I nvolve in Decision-Making: Let your child help choose their clothes, lunch options, or extracurricular activities. This gives them a sense of ownership and control. 4. Communicate Openly : Talk about their feelings regarding school. Encourage them to share any worries or concerns they might have, and address them together. 5. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge both big and small accomplishments. This can boost their confidence and motivation to attend school. 6. Make Learning Fun: Engage in educational activities at home, like games, puzzles, or projects, to show that learning can be enjoyable. 7. Connect with Teachers: Build a relationship with your child’s teachers. Attend parent-teacher meetings and communicate regularly about your child’s progress. 8. Encourage Friendships: Facilitate playdates or social activities with classmates to help your child build relationships and feel more connected to their peers. 9. Address Attendance Issues Promptly: If your child is reluctant to go to school, investigate the reasons and work on solutions together rather than ignoring the issue. 10. Model a Positive Attitude: Show your own enthusiasm for learning and education. Share your experiences and lifelong learning journeys to inspire them. By implementing these strategies, you can help foster a positive attitude toward school and learning in your child!

Written by Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Family Engagement Coordinator The holiday season is a special time to come together, create memories, and share moments of joy—and it can also be a wonderful time to keep kids curious and learning in fun, meaningful ways. We’ve put together a “12 Days of Learning” guide to help make each day of winter break feel a little more magical and connected. With simple, holiday-inspired activities, families can explore reading, math, science, and social skills together—all while having a great tim` `e! Tips for Families: Try to set aside 15-20 minutes each day to engage in these activities as a family. Encourage children to ask questions and explore each activity as deeply as they’d like. If any activity sparks particular interest, find related books or online resources to explore further. These daily activities reinforce the joy of learning during the holiday season and connect families to UCP's approach to education: making learning engaging, relevant, and fun! Day 1: Story Time Spectacular (Reading) Choose a holiday or winter-themed book and have a family story time. Encourage children to act out their favorite parts of the story or illustrate a scene to reinforce comprehension and creativity. Day 2: Kitchen Math (Math) Bake a simple holiday treat together, like cookies or brownies. Let kids help with measuring ingredients and discuss fractions, addition, and multiplication through the recipe steps. Day 3: Winter Science Experiment (Science) Create “fake snow” using baking soda and water. Discuss how real snow forms and the concept of temperature changes. Talk about what makes things cold or hot, tying it to winter weather. Day 4: Gratitude Journal (Social-Emotional Learning) Start a holiday gratitude journal. Each family member can write or draw one thing they’re grateful for each day, building social-emotional skills by focusing on gratitude and reflection. Day 5: Holiday Geography (Geography) Pick a country and learn about how they celebrate the holidays. Find it on a map and discuss customs and traditions, introducing the concept of cultural diversity and geography. Day 6: Festive Word Search (Language and Vocabulary) Make or print a holiday-themed word search. Include words related to winter, holidays, and celebrations. This reinforces vocabulary while keeping learning fun. Day 7: Nature Scavenger Hunt (Science) Bundle up and go on a nature walk to look for signs of winter (or seasonal changes, depending on your location). Look for evergreen trees, pine cones, or birds and discuss how nature adapts in different seasons. Day 8: Acts of Kindness (Social Skills) Encourage kids to brainstorm simple acts of kindness they can do for family, friends, or neighbors. Helping with chores, writing a thank-you note, or sharing a small gift nurtures empathy and social skills. Day 9: DIY Ornaments (Art and Fine Motor Skills) Make simple ornaments or decorations with household items like paper, glue, or glitter. This strengthens fine motor skills and creativity, plus it’s a fun way to decorate for the season! Day 10: Family Math Game Night (Math) Play a math-centered game like Bingo, Uno, or a board game that involves counting. This builds number skills in a relaxed, enjoyable way. Day 11: Write a Letter (Writing) Encourage children to write a letter to a friend or family member. They can share their favorite things about the holiday season or what they’re excited for in the new year. This activity enhances writing and self-expression. Day 12: Goal Setting for the New Year (Goal Setting) Sit down as a family to reflect on accomplishments from the past year and set one or two goals for the upcoming year. This teaches kids the importance of planning, self-improvement, and setting achievable goals.

Empowering Kids Through Therapy What is Intensive Pediatric Therapy? Intensive pediatric physical therapy is designed to provide an in-depth therapy program beyond the traditional 30- or 60-minute sessions per week. It provides a “push” to the child rebuilding his/her next motor skills. Our intensive pediatric physical therapy program includes an initial comprehensive PT evaluation and a plan of care with specific goals based on the child/family needs. A typical treatment will include preparation time, exercises/functional activities, and parent Q & A session. There are a variety of diagnoses that can benefit from intensive pediatric physical therapy, including but not limited to cerebral palsy, developmental delay, traumatic brain injuries, spina bifida, down syndrome, and other genetic conditions. UCP is launching a new Intensive Physical Therapy Program in Spring 2025! Our program outline Initial evaluation and Plan of Care (POC). Program: 1 week (M-F) Twice a day (2x) 60 minute sessions (2 hours each day) Schedule is tailored for each family according to their needs. Early Bird Rate Opportunity availabile How our program is competitive Other intensive therapy programs are extremely expensive, making them unattainable for many families. Parental education, modeling, and participation allow for greater understanding and follow-up. A diversity of activities is provided to keep the child engaged in the program. Program Details: Location: Seminole Campus, 756 N Sun Dr. Lake Mary FL Program Days: Monday - Friday Program Duration: 1 week | twice a day (2x) | 60 minute sessions each Meet our Therapy Provider! Tiffany Dowling is a well-recognized pediatric physical therapist in the Central Florida area with 27 years of experience in the evaluation and intervention of children with diverse differential diagnoses. Mrs. Dowling has extensive knowledge in the treatment of children with complex musculoskeletal and neurodevelopmental conditions. She has been an integral part of pre-and post-surgical rehabilitation programs for multiple children in our community. Mrs. Dowling is a great communicator, generating confidence in families during the entirety of each pediatric therapy program. To sign up for this program, contact: Tiffany Gressley tgressley@ucpcfl.org

Written by Abigail Raines, Speech-Language Pathologist AAC Specialist The holiday season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to find special gifts that your child will love! There are so many toys to choose from but not all toys are created equally. If you are looking for gifts that spark creativity, encourage exploration, and promote development and learning just remember the simple acronym “ GIFT ” while you are shopping this holiday season!   G : Gross Motor Toys -Gross motor skills refer to any movement that involves large muscles. Activities such as running, climbing, and jumping are gross motor activities. When shopping, look for toys or games that promote large movements like those we make with arms, legs, and trunk. Some suggestions include:  Ride-on toy car  Bowling set  Catch and stick Velcro mitts  I : Imagination and independence - Open ended toys such as puppets, dolls, dress up and play sets encourage problem solving skills, language skills, and social skills. These are toys that can be used multiple times in many ways. Some suggestions include:  Fort building kit  Pretend kitchen, ice cream stand, doctors kit  Art supplies    F : Fine motor toys- Fine motor activities are essential for tasks that require precise and coordinated movements that involve the use of small muscles in the wrist, hands, and fingers. These types of activities help children develop coordination, control, and strength. Toys that promote hand manipulation, along with arts and crafts activities, are examples to promote fine motor skills! Some suggestions include:  Drawing pads  Puzzles  Stringing beads  Building blocks    T : Time together - When looking for toys and games to purchase for your child, look for activities that increase time together. These types of toys and games promote communication, connection and collaboration among family members and friends, and support social and language skills. Some suggestions include:   Board games   Books  Building sets

Resources for Our UCP Charter School Families Written by: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW Family Engagement Coordinator As the holiday season approaches and hurricane season continues, we understand that many families may face challenges in accessing meals and support. At UCP Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring that all our students and their families have the resources they need during these times. Below are important resources and information on how to access holiday meals and assistance during hurricane season. Accessing Holiday Meals Agency/Organization Name Information/Location Date (if applicable) Pendas Law Firm: Free Turkey Giveaway 625 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 November 26, 2024 at 8:30 am Thanksgiving Project 2024 (Osceola County) Click Here to Apply Saturday, November 23, 2024 Thanksgiving Project 2024 (Seminole County) Click Here to Apply Saturday, November 23, 2024 Thanksgiving Project 2024 (Orange County) Click Here to Apply Saturday, November 23, 2024 Aldi Family Thanksgiving Deal 10 person meal basket for $47 Until November 27, 2024 Many local organizations offer regular meal assistance. Visit Second Harvest Food Bank to find a food distributor near you if you and your family require additional assistance. State Assistance Programs: Families may qualify for state assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). For more information, visit their website to apply. If you require assistance with applying for government benefits programs, the agencies below are able to assist with the application and refer you to available benefit programs that best address your families' needs. United Against Poverty: 407-650-0774 ext. 435 Samaritan Resource Center: 407-482-0600 Orange County Community Action-East Orange: 407-254-9385 Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando, Inc.: (407) 473-7616 Hurricane Season Support If you were impacted by a hurricane this season, resources are available to assist with recovery. Organizations like the Red Cross provide support, including food, shelter, and recovery assistance. Visit Red Cross website for more information. If your child/student was absent due to hurricane related circumstances, please complete the Excused Absence Form below and return to your school administration as soon as possible. How We Can Help at UCP Charter Schools If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out and download our UCP Parent Resource Guide below. Our clinical counselors are available to provide support and connect families with necessary resources. Reach out to your school staff to get connected with local resources that are available to you and your family. Together, we can ensure that every family feels supported and cared for during this holiday season and throughout hurricane season. Thank you for being a part of our community!

Written by: Dr. Coraly Santos Assistant Principal For our children to grow healthy, we need to take into consideration the brain. When do you think the brain has the biggest development? During the first five years! The brain develops faster in the child's early years. A healthy development depends on 5 things: connecting, talking, playing, a healthy home, and community. It is important to connect, talk, and play with the child. This includes copycat games, naming games, and peekaboo to show the child life skills that will lead to making friends or taking a test in the future. If there is no connection or attention, it creates confusion and stress for the child. Gaining Attention As children grow, they may become more independent and strong-willed. To help them pay attention and complete assignments, it's important to use specific methods to guide them effectively. The video " The Secret to Helping any Child Follow your Directions " provides a step-by-step process to achieve this. The steps are as follows:   1. Face-to-face interaction   2. Maintain eye contact.  3. Use physical contact.  4. Project a calm and confident energy.   5. Be clear and specific.  6. Give directions, not statements.   I highly recommend following this process to enhance learning and reduce frustration. UCP is dedicated to supporting families in successfully guiding their children's learning at home.

We are proud to honor two remarkable educators who exemplify dedication, passion, and a genuine commitment to their students' success: Mrs. Ambreen Saini  and Ms. Jill Stirling . These Teacher Heroes  are not only outstanding in the classroom but also serve as role models and leaders in our school community. Mrs. Ambreen Saini With nearly two decades of experience in education, Mrs. Ambreen Saini  is a dedicated ESE middle school teacher known for her flexibility, patience, and effective communication . She ensures that every student, regardless of their challenges, receives the personalized attention they need to succeed. Ambreen has a natural ability to break down complex concepts, making learning accessible to all her students. Beyond the classroom, Ambreen has been instrumental in running after-school programs  and organizing STEM activities , creating additional opportunities for her students to explore new subjects and develop critical skills. Her tireless efforts and enthusiasm for teaching make her a true hero at TLA. Ms. Jill Stirling Ms. Jill Stirling  is another standout at TLA, where she teaches ESE middle and high school students on the Access Point track. Jill's classroom is a model of structure, respect, and culturally responsive teaching . She uses a bell-to-bell teaching method, ensuring that every minute of class time is used productively to challenge her students and push them toward their potential. In addition to her academic excellence, Jill brings joy to her students through after-school activities like the Pokémon Club , and she has played a key role in organizing events like the Spring Dance , which helps foster a sense of community among students. Her commitment to both academic and social development makes her an indispensable part of the TLA Campus. Celebrating Teacher Heroes Ambreen and Jill go above and beyond in their roles as educators, consistently providing enriching experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Their dedication to their students’ growth—both academically and personally—truly makes them Teacher Heroes  at TLA. We celebrate their hard work, their passion for education, and their unwavering commitment to their students. Thank you, Ambreen and Jill, for everything you do to inspire and support the next generation!

UCP's Approach to Feeding Difficulties Many parents imagine that feeding their little one will be a relatively simple, positive experience. The reality is that it doesn’t always turn out to be that way. Sometimes, children refuse to try new foods, become upset during mealtime, or suddenly stop eating foods that used to be their favorite. That can be both unexpected and overwhelming. If your child is showing signs of feeding difficulties, a skilled clinician could help. A child’s feeding difficulties are assessed and addressed through a focus on fostering a positive association with mealtime. The approach can be used by therapists working with a child and by parents. According to research, a child can be an established picky eater by the age of four. And though parents may mean well, pressuring a child to eat a food they’ve refused isn’t proven to help them develop a more well-rounded diet. Early intervention and working with a skilled therapist can help improve your child’s feeding behaviors. UCP is launching a new Feeding Program in Spring 2025. Learn more about this opportunity below! Our program outline 90-minute group session comprised of 3-5 kids depending on age/functional level The session will include an activity at the start and end of the group with 45-60 minutes of food interaction being the majority of each session. 8 week program - 1 session per week Additional cost for program: cost of food and feeding kit if parents wish to purchase their own. How our program is competitive Other local programs are intensive and require daily attendance for several weeks, making this unfeasible for many families. A group session allows for the social experience mealtimes provide and peer interactions/modeling. Program Details: Location: West Orange Campus, 1441 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden Program Days: Friday's Program Duration: 8 weeks, Jan 10, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025 Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm Meet our Therapy Provider! Kristian Porco is an Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, a majority with pediatric clients in both outpatient and natural environment settings. Kristian has worked with clients with feeding aversion since the start of her career and it is a passion she enjoys. While the progress is not immediate, the small gains seen by others are actually a giant mountain for the kids, and it is very rewarding as a therapist to be a part of these successes for the children and their families. To sign up for this program, contact: Marilyn Perez marilyn.perez@ucpcfl.org

As we celebrate World Teacher Day , it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on two remarkable educators at our UCP Osceola Campus— Milka Reyes  and Litza Toro . With their combined dedication, passion, and experience, they are truly heroes in the classroom, making a lasting impact on their students’ lives. The Teacher Hero Initiative The Teacher Hero Initiative  is a program designed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of educators within our community. This initiative aims to highlight the inspiring stories of teachers who go above and beyond to empower their students, foster a love for learning, and create inclusive and supportive classrooms. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire others and elevate the teaching profession, acknowledging that great educators are the cornerstone of our future. Milka Reyes: Empowering Every Student Milka Reyes has been a dedicated educator for over 15 years and joined UCP in March 2018 as an ESE teacher. Her love for teaching is evident in the way she approaches her classroom each day. Milka understands that every day brings new challenges, but the reward lies in witnessing even the smallest progress in her students. Each achievement, no matter how minor, feels like a major victory. Since joining UCP, Milka has received tremendous support in transferring her teaching license from Puerto Rico. UCP has continually encouraged her to excel by offering various training opportunities and suggesting new pathways for growth. This year, as a Mentor Teacher, she aims to transform her classroom into a model of excellence. Milka’s classroom is a vibrant space where students are encouraged to think critically and explore new ideas. She tailors her lessons to meet individual needs, employing innovative teaching strategies like hands-on activities and technology to engage her students. Her belief in each student’s potential ignites curiosity and motivation, creating an inspiring learning environment. Litza Toro: Cultivating Connection and Growth Litza Toro, with approximately 18 years of experience in early childhood education, has been with UCP since February 2018. Her joy in teaching radiates through her interactions with her students, as she finds immense satisfaction in their progress. Receiving gratitude from parents for the positive changes they see in their children warms her heart, and the smiles and hugs she receives each day mean the world to her. UCP has consistently believed in Litza's abilities, investing in her professional growth through training and continuing education. This support allows her to enhance her skills and provide an even better educational experience for her students. Litza aspires to continue growing as an educator and become a more effective lead teacher, all while fostering a collaborative environment where her colleagues can thrive together. Her remarkable ability to connect with students creates a sense of belonging and confidence in the classroom. Through her patient and compassionate approach, Litza fosters a supportive environment where every student feels valued and understood. She celebrates each small achievement, instilling pride and motivation in her students. The Impact of Milka and Litza Together, Milka and Litza embody the spirit of UCP and the core values of the Teacher Hero Initiative . Their commitment to their students and passion for teaching set a powerful example for the entire UCP community. As we honor World Teacher Day, let us recognize and appreciate the incredible work that teachers do every day. Their impact goes beyond academics; they are shaping the future by nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning in every student they touch.

Written by: Danielle Waters MA CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist and Speech Therapy Clinical Advisor    Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays are fast approaching! If your child is a “picky eater” or has a diagnosed feeding or swallowing disorder, holiday meals can come with a lot of added stress. Feeding is a multi-sensory experience that is difficult for many kids. According to the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA), there are many reasons why a child may have difficulty eating. For some, it can be a phase—part of natural development where a child is asserting independence (typically during the toddler years). For others, it may be due to sensory sensitivities (e.g., sensitivity to certain textures or smells), developmental disorders, or feeding and swallowing disorders. Although some children will eventually become more diverse eaters, for others, feeding challenges can remain into adulthood. It is important for families to understand that feeding challenges are often not under anyone’s control. Keeping that in mind, here are some DO’s and DON’Ts to assist in having a successful holiday meal Food Do's DO prepare your child as much as possible.  Talk about the foods that will be served ahead of time. Show them pictures of foods that will be served. Make foods prior to the holiday, so you child can try it in a safe place at home first. If you are going to a family member or friend’s house, explain to your child that you may not know everything that will be provided, but you will do your best to have something available that they like. Talk through what’s expected (i.e., even if you don’t eat what’s on the table, you may need to sit through the whole meal because it is about more than food).  DO involve your child in food preparation/cooking .  This is a great opportunity to explore possibilities and introduce children to unfamiliar textures and smells. This can help make new foods seem less overwhelming to them. Children may want to taste new foods as they are being prepared, especially if they are cooking with a grandparent, cousin, or family friend. Involve children in picking out a recipe on their own and allow them to pick out the ingredients and interact  with them while preparing the dish they chose. DO make food presentation fun. Online, you can find tons of ideas for themed foods, such as a cheese ball or a vegetable platter in the shape of a turkey or pumpkin. Using cookie cutters to present foods in special shapes can go a long way. Themed plates, placemats, and place cards can also make a meal appealing and help children have a positive attitude toward their food. Many children also like meals provided “family style,” where they can serve themselves. If you are serving/making their plate, remember to start small with servings. If a child’s plate is full of unfamiliar foods, it appears overwhelming. Present 1-2 green beans instead of a whole spoonful. DO set expectations for others.   Prior to a meal, share with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other family members how you handle your child’s eating. Let them know that they shouldn’t feel offended (even if the child says “ew” or “gross”) or concerned—and that you appreciate their respect for your choices DO seek out helpful resources.   Learn more about feeding challenges in children—including what’s typical and what’s not—from  ASHA . Get tips and advice for dealing with feeding challenges of all types from the Family Dinner Project’s  The Welcoming Table  series. Food Don'ts DON’T feel guilty about your child’s eating habits.  Family members and friends will have opinions about how they would change what you’re doing and how meals were handled when they were a child. Keep in mind that many people have children who are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to their eating habits, even though they were raised (and fed) the same way. DON’T make your child’s eating the focus of mealtime.  Avoid the urge to make your child’s food intake the center of the conversation. This can make the meal less enjoyable for your child—and everyone else! Eating together as a family is important for exposure to foods and seeing family members as positive role models. So, encourage your child to remain at the table with family and friends, even if they aren’t eating! DON’T shame or bribe your child .  There’s nothing wrong with a little positive encouragement to “try a bite,” but repeated coaxing may produce nothing but frustration. Avoid shaming your child for not tasting a particular food or not eating enough. You don’t want to make them feel bad about something they can’t control. Bribing a child (e.g., taking  x  number of bites to “earn” dessert) rarely, if ever, results in a long-term healthy diet or positive approach to eating. Encourage your child to listen to their body and learn about their hunger and fullness cues. Studies show that pressure increases “picky eating.” Remember that praise can sometimes be seen as a form of pressure because they think that you are only associating them with being “good” because they ate something. DON’T hesitate to make backup plans.   Although children should be given a chance to eat what everyone else is having at the table, it’s okay to serve them foods they’re familiar with if that will help them be in an environment that can be overwhelming. Ensure that 1-2 safe foods are available. Prepare one dish ahead of time that you know they will eat. DON’T be reluctant to ask for professional help.   Feeding challenges can range in severity. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your child’s pediatrician. You can also visit a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT). SLPs and OTs help people with feeding and swallowing disorders to safely eat, accept new foods, and develop and maintain a positive relationship with eating. Overall, during this holiday season, DO make feeding fun. It is important to form positive relationships with food to encourage happy eaters! It’s ok to get messy and play with food sometimes. Spitting out food is also important for learning. If we want a child to try a new food, they have to first feel safe that they can get it out. Learning to eat is the first priority; manners can come later! Bon appétit