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Is your child a picky eater?
Do they refuse new foods or eat the same few things every day?
Do mealtimes feel stressful, frustrating, or like a constant battle?
If so—you’re not alone.
PlaySmart Food Explorers is a 6-week, OT-led, small-group class designed to help children build confidence, comfort, and curiosity around food—through play, movement, and hands-on experiences.
This is not a pressure-based feeding program. And it’s not about forcing kids to eat. It’s a supportive, play-based environment where children learn the skills behind eating—like sensory processing, motor skills, and regulation.
Hear from Mrs. Audrey, Our PlaySmart Food Explorers Instructor
"There's more to eating than just taking a bite. It's a full body sensory experience! During this class you and your child will learn strategies to regulate their nervous system in order to prepare for meal time and how to explore new foods with confidence. Let's make meal time fun again!"
Audrey OTR/L
What you'll learn in PlaySmart Food Explorers
A 6 week expert led class for children ages 5-10 years
Weeks 1-2 Building Comfort with Food
We start by reducing pressure and increasing comfort.
Your child will work on:
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Tolerating new foods in their space
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Exploring foods through looking, touching, and smelling
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Participating in simple food prep activities
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Learning that food can be safe and predictable
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Building positive, no-pressure experiences with food
Week 3-4 Exploring and Interacting with Food
Once comfort grows, we increase interaction.
Your child will practice:
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Trying foods in different forms (textures, temperatures, combinations)
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Expanding flexibility with familiar foods
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Developing oral motor awareness through playful exposure
Week 5-6 Building Confidence and Independence
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Now we focus on confidence and carryover.
Your child will explore: -
Making choices and participating in meal creation
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Trying new foods in a supportive environment
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Feeling successful and proud at the table
By the end of this course, your child should
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Feel more comfortable around new and non-preferred foods
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Be more willing to interact with and explore foods
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Have improved confidence at mealtimes
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Show increased flexibility with foods
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Experience less stress and more success at the table
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