
Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 10: Making Your Mealtimes More Palatable
On the Horizon is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.

Summer’s Coming!
A Note from Nicole: “Good Enough,” Mealtime Routines, and Summer Camps
Idea of the Week: Magazine Collage
Feature Article: Making Your Mealtimes More Palatable
Featured Resource: Feeding Calendar and Journal
Featured Program: Summer Camps 2008
Upcoming Events: Please Join Us
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.


Hi Everyone!
I’ll write a short note this week, as I’m in the middle of many projects and trying to meet deadlines. I often have to remind myself of the phrase “good is good enough.” Sometimes I strive for a level of completion or perfection that isn’t really necessary. The busier I get, the more I know I need to look at each thing on my plate and determine what is “good enough” for each. The concept of “good enough” is one we work on continually with our clients – appraising what is good enough for the task at hand, and how we will know when we are done. I’m still working on this one myself! Can any of you relate?
This week you’ll see we have another article from Erin in her feeding series. Developing family mealtime routines is important for all families, particularly those dealing with feeding difficulties. You will get some great tips for establishing or enhancing mealtime routines in your home.
Those of you who have not yet reserved your summer camps spots – you need to take action now! There are only a few weeks left of registration, and some programs are already full. I hope you have a great week!
Looking to the horizon,


Magazine Collage!
Get everyone to help gather old magazines that can be cut up. Then go through the magazines and cut out pictures or words that are meaningful to each of you. For example, if your child enjoys being outdoors cut a picture out of the woods or equipment one would use outside (e.g. a tent, football, soccer ball). You can include favorite foods, characters, and whatever else you find. Put the pictures together on tagboard, construction paper, or the refridgerator, and admire all the similarities and differences among your family members.


Making Your Mealtimes More Palatable
By: Erin Roon, MS CCC-SLP
Having a child with feeding difficulties can make mealtimes difficult for the whole family. Mealtimes can become stressful for everyone, and the entire family can come to dread sitting down to eat together. There are some simple strategies that can make eating more pleasant for everyone involved.
Setting up a routine for mealtimes is very important in making your child feel comfortable. This helps him/her know what to expect. Below are some ideas you may include in your mealtime schedule:
Explorations in Eating Calendar and Journal
$19.95 (Per Calendar) or $39.95 (Per Calendar and Journal) Each day has ideas to expand your child’s diet and food preferences. Calendars are assembled by clients in our EmployAbilities program. $1.00 from every calendar will be donated to FARR.
Click on the image below to visit our store!



Summer Camps 2008!
Your child is going to LOVE the exciting adventures we have planned for this summer! Each week we will explore a different theme together, complete with lots of opportunities for movement, music, problem solving, working together, and indoor and outdoor fun. Our camps are design to offer a fun, safe, and therapeutic environment for children with developmental disabilities to engage with peers, try new things, and retain skills over the summer months. A low staff to child ratio ensures that everyone is supported. Principles of the Relationship Development Intervention (CORE Approach) Program are integrated throughout all activities, which provides oportunities for campers to improve communication, increase competence, enhance regulation, and build relationships.
For a brochure, click here
For a registration form, click here
To sign up online, click here

Please join us!
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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