Tube to Table

What actually happens inside Thrive’s tube weaning program, and why does it work when other approaches haven’t? In this episode, Jeni and Heidi break down what our tube weaning program really looks like and answer some of the most common questions we hear from parents and caregivers. At Thrive, offer a range of supports, from intensive tube weaning (virtual or in-person) to ongoing feeding therapy, parent coaching, and virtual guidance. At the center of all of it is one key idea: lasting change happens when parents are supported to support their child. Everything begins with a comprehensive, virtual evaluation. We look at the whole child (not just feeding!) by considering medical history, development, sensory processing, lived experiences, and family dynamics. Our multidisciplinary team (speech, OT, dietitian as needed) collaborates closely with your child’s medical provider to ensure safety and alignment. If your child is a good fit, we move into preparation, which includes a parent toolkit and coaching. This step is foundational in getting everyone on the same page before making any changes. We often find that preparation is a game changer. From there, we begin hunger induction in a safe, medically guided way, followed by a 10-day intensive phase where: Parents receive real-time coaching (virtual or in-person) Meals are supported live whenever possible The environment, not just the child, is adjusted for success Hunger is used as a tool—but never the only tool Our goal is not to “get food in,” but to help children learn: “When I feel hungry, I can do something about it.” We allow hunger to develop within a responsive feeding framework, which means: The child stays in charge of their eating Stress, pressure, and dysregulation are actively addressed The environment is adapted to support success Parents are coached, not sidelined Hunger alone isn’t enough and neither is coaching alone. Kids need internal motivation + external support working together. The 10-day intensive is just the beginning. The next 6 months of follow-up are equally important and often overlooked. During this time: Skills continue to build Weight first fluctuates, then stabilizes, then gradually increases Families navigate real-life challenges (illness, travel, routine changes) Children keep “figuring it out” with ongoing support Tube weaning is not a quick fix! It’s a process that unfolds over time. When determining if your child is a good fit for our program, we’re not looking for a specific age or skill level. Instead, we look for: Medical stability and safety Developmental readiness and potential A family environment that can support the process We don’t have “disqualifying diagnoses,” but we do individualize goals and treatment based on each child. Our 10-day therapy intensive is offered either virtually or in-person, based on a multitude of factors, and determined by the clinical team. Both options can be highly effective. In fact, we often see similar outcomes because our model is parent-centered. Virtual care allows us to coach you in your real environment In-person care offers hands-on, in-the-room support Both prioritize helping your child learn to eat where it matters most: at home While we’re not in-network with most insurance companies, we do work to secure single case agreements when possible and help families navigate funding options. If you’re curious whether this could be a fit for your child, we offer a free 45-minute intake call to: Learn about your child Answer your questions Determine next steps together Tube weaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about understanding your child, supporting your family, and building the skills that lead to lasting change. If you’re ready to explore what that could look like, we’re here to help you take the next step. Reach out via email: Thrive@spectrumpediatri

What if your child still needs their feeding tube… and that’s not actually considered a failure? What if progress doesn’t mean removing the tube, but learning how to move forward with it? For many families, the goal starts as tube weaning. But along the way, some discover their child needs long-term support, or at least more time. For other families, you may know from the beginning that it's likely that your child will always need some form of support from the feeding tube. This can feel like a confusing middle ground. You might wonder: Did we do something wrong? Are we stuck? The truth is, this space where tube feeds and oral eating coexist is not only valid, but it can be incredibly successful. It starts with acceptance. Not giving up but getting grounded in where your child is right now. When you take time to build a stable, low-pressure foundation, feeding often becomes less stressful for everyone. From there, you can better understand: Your child’s strengths Areas that need support What realistic, meaningful progress looks like One of the most powerful shifts you can make is focusing on autonomy and participation. Ask yourself: Is my child actively involved in feeding in a way that fits their development? Do they have opportunities to make choices and engage? This can look like: Letting them pass food, explore textures, or decide what goes on their plate Involving them in tube feeds (pushing a syringe, helping set up) Creating opportunities for real participation. Kids build relationships with food when they feel like active participants, not passive recipients. It’s easy to fall into a performance mindset that includes counting bites, focusing on volume, or pushing exposure. But long-term progress is rooted in quality experiences, not just quantity. Try to instead focus on: Low-pressure, positive mealtimes Curiosity over compliance Shared experiences, regardless of how much is eaten Because a child who feels safe, interested, and included around food is more likely to keep moving forward. Tube feeding and oral eating don’t have to be all-or-nothing. In fact, they work best when they’re flexible. Some options families explore: Eating by mouth during the day, with supplementation at bedtime Offering tube feeds after meals to reduce pressure during eating Adjusting timing based on school, energy, or appetite The goal is to find a middle ground where your child: Has enough support to grow and feel well Still experiences hunger, fullness, and motivation to eat It’s often a dance, not a fixed plan. And sometimes, increasing tube feeds as kids grow or eating becomes harder is exactly what supports long-term success. One common trap? Keeping the same plan as your child grows. But feeding needs change. Schedules shift. Development evolves. Make space to regularly revisit: Tube feeding amounts and timing Mealtime structure Your child’s engagement and interest Flexibility is key to keeping the plan aligned with your child—not where they used to be. This journey can be longer than expected. And that can be hard. But staying on tube feeds while making progress with oral eating is not a step backward! It’s a thoughtful, responsive path forward. Pause when you need to. Adjust when it makes sense. Progress is still happening, even if it looks different than you imagined. Your child’s story doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Growth can happen in the middle, in the space where support and progress exist side by side. Stay flexible, stay curious, and trust that forward movement is still possible… exactly where you are. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Faceb

Jeni and Heidi are back this week to talk about how to get back on track when things feel like they're falling apart. Tube weaning is rarely a straight line. If things feel off track, you’re actually right where many families find themselves at least once in their journey. Tube weaning is often expected to be a simple shift: less nutrition through the tube and therefore more by mouth. In reality, it’s much more complex. Medical needs, sensory experiences, digestion, motor skills, and emotional safety all play a role. On top of that, families are navigating stress, fatigue, and the pressure that can come with wanting the process to go well. Because of this, most weaning journeys include a moment where things feel like they’ve stalled or gone off track. That doesn’t mean your child can’t do it. In fact, these moments are so common that in our program we expect them and plan for them. When this happens, the goal isn’t to panic or assume the wean didn’t work. Instead, it’s about getting back on track by pausing and zooming out. Much like climbing a staircase, if you get winded you don’t go all the way back to the bottom! Instead, you might pause at the next landing. During tube weaning, that might mean adjusting support, reassessing your child’s needs, and working with your team to find the next stable step forward. Responsive feeding encourages families to look beyond just volumes and bites and consider the bigger picture: Is the feeding experience a good sensory fit for your child? Does your child feel safe and supported at meals? What’s happening medically or developmentally? What was different during the days that went well? Progress during tube weaning is often subtle. Small shifts might look like more comfort at the table, a few extra bites, increased curiosity about food. All of those are meaningful steps in learning to eat. If you find yourself feeling stuck, it’s okay to pause, reflect, and seek additional support. Sometimes getting back on track simply means bringing in another responsive feeding professional who can collaborate with you and your medical team to help guide the next step. It's true that transitioning from the tube to oral eating can be messy, emotional, and unpredictable but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Sometimes the most important step forward is simply pausing, zooming out, and finding the next place to begin again. You've got this and we're here to help! ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

Happy Feeding Tube Awareness Week! Jeni and Heidi are here this week to celebrate your family and to talk about how to gently and meaningfully include your tube-fed child in family mealtimes without pressure to eat. Meals are about so much more than calories or consumption! They’re also about connection, belonging, learning, and shared experiences. Whether your child eats by mouth, by tube, or both, they deserve to feel included, powerful, and safe at the table. Things to consider: Feeding looks different in every home and all of it counts! Mealtimes are more than food. Yes, tube feeds happen in specific, medical ways (guided by your care team). But family meals can still be nourishing through connection, love, and togetherness. Inclusion matters, even without eating. Your child doesn’t need to take bites to belong. Being present, silly, passing food, starting conversations, or just hanging out all count. Follow your child’s comfort and cues. Participation might look different for every child. The goal is agency! Letting them join in ways that feel safe and manageable for them. Let’s move away from “tolerance.” We don’t want kids just surviving mealtimes. We want meaningful, enjoyable experiences built around comfort and connection. Self-regulation comes first. When kids are tube-fed and not hungry, it makes sense they’re not interested in food. We don’t want children learning to override their body signals just to meet expectations. Connection over bites. Comfort, safety, and shared moments matter far more than tastes, licks, or mouthfuls. There’s no need for perfection. Include your child in whatever way works for your family. Small moments of togetherness add up. They’re learning even when they’re not eating. Kids soak in so much at the table! For example, how people interact, what food looks like, and that they belong. And, if your child uses a feeding tube long-term, they can still grow up knowing they’re included and valued at mealtimes, no matter how they receive nutrition. This Feeding Tube Awareness Week, let’s celebrate every tubie, every caregiver, and every version of togetherness, because connection is always on the menu. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

If you’re thinking about tube weaning, this probably isn’t a new idea. It’s a question that’s been sitting with you for a while: Is my child ready? And underneath that, how do we prepare so this can be successful? Readiness: Preparing for tube weaning starts well before any feeds are actually reduced, and a huge part of that is making sure your child (and you) are truly ready. We look at readiness in a few big-picture ways. First is medical safety: can your child tolerate weaning, and is it safe for their body right now? Just as important (and often overlooked) is psychological, social, and developmental readiness. Tube weaning is a big change. For many families, the tube was life-saving or deeply stabilizing at one point, so the idea of removing that safety net can feel uncertain, or even frightening. We want to think about what else is happening in your child’s world, too. Are there new siblings, new schools, big life changes? Is this a season where your family can handle a major transition? The stars don’t need to perfectly align, but these factors certainly matter. Understanding the Big Picture: It's important to understand that tube weaning is not a straight line and not a checklist, rather, it’s individualized and holistic. Many parents are surprised to learn that “do no harm” is more important than developing skills or "plumping" kids up in order to prepare for transition to oral eating. Kids don’t need to eat before they can be weaned; in fact, most kids learn to eat by eating and by discovering their own internal motivation. In the same way, weaning isn't just about intake, it should foster the development of self-regulation, and "plumping kids up” can actually undermine that process. Growth and development are personal, and externally driving intake often makes the process harder, not easier. Minimize the Negative: When food has felt uncomfortable, unsafe, or pressured for a long time, our first job is often to stabilize things and protect your child’s relationship with food and with the people feeding them. Sometimes that means pausing therapy exercises, backing off skill work, and creating space for rest, trust, and predictability. That pause can feel really uncomfortable for parents, but it’s often one of the most powerful ways to prepare a child for what comes next. Create Stability: Creating ease and predictability matters more than many people realize. Tube-fed kids have often lived through constant changes: new formulas, medical tests, feeding plans, and schedules, all on top of regular life stress. They deserve a chance to experience food and daily routines without everything constantly shifting. This doesn’t mean avoiding food altogether. We want kids to still be included at family meals and to touch, explore, and play with food on their terms. Foster Autonomy: Eating requires agency, and protecting your child’s ability to say “no” is not a setback. It’s a skill. Your job is to decide what food is offered and when, whereas, your child’s job is to decide if they eat and how much. A “no” is information, not failure, and learning that their body cues are respected builds trust that pays off later. Prepare Yourself: Finally, preparation isn’t just about your child! It’s about the grown-ups too. Tube weaning changes routines, disrupts what feels familiar, and can bring up a lot of fear and pressure to “do it right.” Thinking ahead about emotional support, logistics, and flexibility is incredibly helpful. Get curious: One of the most important jobs you have is getting curious, not just about food, but about your child. What helps them feel safe? What overwhelms them? How do they communicate comfort or stress? Many parents of tube-fed kids were never given the space to really learn who their child is outside of medical needs. When safety, trust, and autonomy come first, the process has room to unfold in the way your child actually needs. Thoughtful p

Heidi and Jennifer are back today to help you feel empowered to choose the right tube weaning program for your child, your family, and yourself. Choosing a tube-weaning program is a major decision for families, especially when the information available can feel scattered or confusing. At the heart of this choice is your child’s safety, both physical and emotional. A solid program should prioritize medical oversight, work collaboratively with your child’s healthcare team, and have clear safety parameters in place for monitoring hydration, growth, and overall wellbeing. Just as important is your experience as the parent! Feeding is deeply tied to how we parent and connect with our kids, and when it becomes stressful or uncertain, that impact matters. You should be an active participant in the process, supported by professionals who listen to your insights, respect your instincts, and protect the relationship you have with your child. It’s also essential to consider the environment where the learning will take place. Many children do best in spaces that feel familiar and low-stress, which is why home-based approaches can be so powerful. They allow clinicians to see the real factors influencing feeding and help kids practice skills where they will ultimately use them. Inpatient or clinical programs can offer benefits too, like on-site medical support and multidisciplinary teams, but it’s important to understand what mealtimes will look like and how they plan to help your child generalize those gains back home. Virtual programs are convenient, but even if the communication is virtual, tube weaning is still a very real part of your child's health journey. Virtual programs should prioritize safety, adapt to your child’s unique needs, offer timely communication, and avoid a one-size-fits-all model. Whatever the setting, the program should be flexible, child-led, and ready to pivot when challenges or “what if” moments arise. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

Parents often ask us: What tools do I need to help my child eat? From vibrating toys to chewy tubes, special spoons to miracle cups, the pressure to “pick the right thing” during tube weaning can be overwhelming. But the truth is, responsive tube weaning isn’t about finding the perfect tool, it’s about understanding and supporting your unique child. In this episode of Tube to Table, we unpack the role of tools, cups, and utensils in the weaning process. We’ll talk about: Why tools are often recommended in feeding therapy and why we rarely use them The myth of “sensory tolerance” and what’s actually happening when kids seem sensitive Why oral motor tools don’t mimic how food behaves, and how that impacts learning What it means to honor a child’s identity to support true felt safety How to approach cups and utensils in a way that builds autonomy and agency We’ll also share when tools can be useful and how to know if your child is inviting them in, rather than just tolerating them. This conversation is a reminder that your child is the best guide. Most of the time, the tools you need are already at home and the real work is in creating a safe, responsive environment where your child can explore, lead, and learn to eat on their own terms. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

In this episode, Jeni and Heidi dive into a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves during the tube weaning process: hydration. Hydration is a crucial and separate process with its own cues, rhythms, and strategies. Understanding hydration and its importance separate from nutrition and supplementation can often lead to a safer and smoother wean. We talk about why hydration deserves focused attention, especially in the early stages of weaning when safety is the top priority. How do you know your child is hydrated enough if they’re no longer getting fluids through a tube? We unpack the signs beyond just milliliters—wet diapers, energy levels, tear production, skin quality—and why it’s so important to ask your medical team for individualized hydration parameters. You'll also hear why keeping a child well hydrated often helps the feeding process, rather than hurt it. Hydration supports energy, digestion, and the body's ability to regulate. Jeni and Heidi also explore when to start working on oral hydration, and why this usually comes a little later in the weaning journey. They’ll also talk about how to build safe, joyful routines around drinking, from modeling (hint: kids love drinking what you’re drinking!) to loosening our adult ideas of “the right drink.” ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

Welcome back! This week, Jeni and Heidi are talking about the role of supplementation during the tube weaning process—why it matters, how we approach it, and what it can look like when done thoughtfully and safely. Feeding tubes are incredible tools that support over 250,000 children in the U.S. They help kids grow, thrive, and heal—and the decision to use one is always made with the child’s best interest at heart. But just like any helpful tool, there may come a time when it's no longer needed and might even begin to create barriers—especially around oral eating, social life, travel, or day-to-day routines. We know that deciding to transition away from the tube is a big step. It often means the medical situation has stabilized or resolved. But the road forward requires careful thought. At THRIVE, we focus on two key ideas: honoring the role the tube has played and using it strategically as we move forward. What happens when a child is ready to wean? How do we make safe and effective supplementation decisions during this transition? -Hydration vs. Nutrition: While hydration is vital, it doesn’t usually interfere with oral intake of food. So we keep hydration steady while adjusting nutrition. -Creating Room for Hunger: Before a child can eat more, they often need to feel more. We begin with what’s called “hunger induction”—a safe, stepwise reduction of tube feeds that gives the child space to connect with hunger and eating. -Using the Tube Strategically: We’re not pulling support away cold turkey. Instead, we use the tube like a floatie—something to keep them safe and supported while they’re learning new skills. That includes using the tube to reinforce effort ("You worked hard, and now you feel full!") or to offer relief when things get too hard ("Let’s give you a break today."). -Decision-Making in Real Time: Every child is different. Some might need more reduction to recognize hunger; others may need a little support to feel safe. We base our choices on energy, growth, health, and cues from the child. It’s not about finding the perfect number of ounces—it’s about tuning into your child’s needs. Progress doesn’t mean perfection. Many kids start with small bites or narrow food ranges. The tube helps bridge the gap while they build skills, confidence, and variety. Our goal is not long-term dependence but rather using the tube as a tool while independence grows. There’s no single “right” way to do this. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

In this episode, Jeni and Heidi dive into how parents can play a powerful role in protecting and supporting their child’s journey from tube feeding to eating by mouth. When preparing, it’s easy to focus on the practical things like what foods to buy, which cup to use, and what’s the best bottle out there. What really matters is understanding what’s going on under the surface for both you and your child. For many kids, especially those with a history of medical challenges, food can be overwhelming. Even something as simple as a new texture or smell might feel scary. Recognizing that your child might not feel safe with food yet helps you meet them with more patience and empathy. Many parents carry emotional weight from past experiences around feeding. Stress, fear, and trauma—it’s real, and you’re not alone. Taking time to understand what you’re bringing into mealtimes can make a big difference. Getting support for yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. Feeding won’t always go smoothly, and that’s normal. What matters is having a plan for the “what ifs”: what if your child refuses food, or you feel overwhelmed? Giving yourself a break, asking for help, or having a different topic to talk about at the table can help shift energy in a healthy way. Instead of counting bites or measuring progress by how much your child eats, we need to shift our mindset around what we consider a success. In the tube weaning process, it’s important to focus on things like: Did my child feel safe? Did we enjoy time together? Was the food offered in a way that respected their needs? These are real, meaningful wins. Your number one job is to protect your child’s sense of comfort and safety at the table. With preparation, reflection, and a focus on connection, you’re creating the foundation for your child’s eating skills to grow. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

When we talk about tube weaning, we’re not just talking about transitioning from tube feeds to oral intake—we’re talking about creating or restoring joy, curiosity, and connection to eating and feeding. And at the heart of that process is YOU, the parent. Too often, parents find themselves in one of two difficult roles: either sidelined and treated as an afterthought or isolated, left alone to search for answers and support. We know and believe that parents are the experts on their children. Your insight, intuition, and involvement are not just helpful—they are essential. The feeding environment matters deeply. What makes your child feel comfortable, safe and secure? Maybe it’s sitting on a parent's lap during breakfast or being surrounded by siblings at the table. We must expand our definition of safety beyond a physical aspect, also considering emotional and sensory safety. Within the feeding environment, we need to also consider structure, not rigidity. And when we do offer food, let’s consider pleasure, too. The goal at first is positive, low-pressure, intrinsically motivated experiences. That could be a lick of a chip, a finger dipped in ketchup, or stealing a bite from mom’s plate. If they see you enjoying it, they might be more willing to try it. That joy is the bridge to variety and nutrition later on. Every child is different. Every family is different. This journey will evolve, and that’s okay. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about staying curious, responsive, and connected to your child. Tube weaning is a process of learning, for everyone involved. It takes time, flexibility, and trust. And when parents are centered and supported, children can THRIVE. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Heidi are diving into how certain feeding strategies, specifically when transitioning off feeding tubes, can backfire. There is a common phrase that we hear a lot as therapists: “I can’t GET them to do it or I can only GET them to have 2 bites”. As loving caregivers, parents often think that it is their job to get their child to eat a certain food or specific volume. While working to transitioning to oral eating, the focus should be less on what you can get your child to do and more on letting them have the space to do so (McGlothlin, Jenny: Definition of “Let to Get”). The parents should focus on providing the foods and setting up a positive mealtime routine, while the child’s role is to determine if they’re going to eat it and how much (Ellyn Satter – Division of Responsibility). Jennifer and Heidi discuss what specific feeding behaviors we often see in the traditional feeding therapy. These behaviors are often viewed as symptoms and then the focus tends to be on more behavioral strategies. Although there is some short-term research on those behavioral methods (praising, distracting, negotiating), we know that it has negative long-term effects on a child’s relationship with food. They will also review what we can do as therapists, and parents, to help create a solid foundation and address the relationship with food starting with the foundations. We will also review the evidence to support the responsive feeding strategies, specifically with tube-fed children. If you would like any of the research or studies mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to email us at thrive@spectrumpediatrics.com and we can send it to you. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum and @tubetotable on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com

In this episode of Tube to Table, Jennifer and Heidi are letting you all in on a little secret: most kids learn to eat while they’re eating and participating in continued meaningful experiences surrounding a mealtime. Often times, traditional feeding therapy has a narrow skill-based focus that may include oral motor skills, self-feeding skills, increasing volumes, or expanding varieties. Skill development actually includes much more than just those things! To target a skill, we need to zoom out to address the fundamentals. We know that learning is most successful when the learner is an active participant: When they are motivated or in charge of their learning, when they have felt safety, and when they’re given appropriate support that doesn’t undermine or take over. For many of us adults, there’s an innate meaningfulness in food. What we forget is that it develops through experiences, and often, tube-fed kids do not have the same opportunities. Motor skills build over time, through experience and enjoyment, and by actively participating in activities already occurring throughout your home. Having your tube-fed child sit at the table with you during a meal provides tons of meaningful experiences! No matter the skill you want to help your tube fed child to learn, whether its variety, volume, oral motor strength, sensory processing, or self-regulation, the goal is to see the big picture and help create an ideal and positive environment. ** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com