Welcome to "On the Horizon"

Issue 208: Food Jags: What are They and How to Prevent Them

On the Horizon is an award winning 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.

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• A Note from Nicole: Season to Connect
• Feature Article: Food Jags: What are They and How to Prevent Them
• Ask the Horizons Team
• Upcoming Events
• Recommended Resources

Hi Everyone!

We have finally had some snow here! It’s about time, as typically we have had more than a few flakes by now. While I’m happy to see some of the white stuff around the holidays, I haven’t missed it thus far this season. My family and I are getting ready to head south for some fun and relaxing vacation time. I better not see any snow while we are there!

In this week’s feature article, Erin explores the topic of "food jags" and how to address them. If you have a child who tends to eat a lot of something, but then stops eating it altogether, this article is for you. Those of you who have picky eaters and/or kids with feeding problems will want to check out the information as well.

Just a reminder that this is the last week for you to save on the resources in our online store. You can order Learning as we Grow, Parent Success Cards, our audio training series, or anything else in the store for 40% off until December 17. Use the coupon code HOLIDAY12 at checkout to receive the discount.

Have a spectacular week!

Looking to the horizon,

Food Jags: What are They and How to Prevent Them

By Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP

What is a food jag? Children with feeding difficulties tend to eat the same foods every day, even at every meal. Typically they require that the foods be prepared in the same way each time. For example, your child may only eat a hot dog for lunch every day. S/he will only eat the hot dog if it is a specific brand, boiled on the stove, and put on the plate with the ketchup (specific brand) not touching it. This example demonstrates a "food jag."

So what is the big deal if my child eats the same thing every day for lunch? The biggest problem with food jags is that eventually your child will become bored or burned out on his/her preferred foods. Once a child with feeding difficulties neglects to eat a preferred food, it is usually lost from his/her food repertoire for good. The practice of eliminating foods from his/her diet may then continue until there are only a handful of foods left to him/her.

How can you prevent a food jag from beginning in the first place?

Click here to read the rest of this article…

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Upcoming Events

Hear Nicole Speak

Upcoming dates and locations where Nicole Beurkens, PhD will be speaking:

Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Practical Strategies to Improve Processing

February 6, 2013 in Bridgeport, CT

February 7, 2013 in Cromwell, CT

February 8, 2013 in Warwick, RI

Recommended
Resources

It’s likely you have already started your holiday shopping – and maybe some of you are already close to being finished. Don’t forget that we are holding a very special holiday sale on all of the products in our store through December 17th. If you haven’t already ordered now is the time to take action!

Just visit our store at
www.HorizonsDRC.com/store any time before 12/17, enter coupon code HOLIDAY12 at checkout, and you’ll instantly SAVE 40% on your entire purchase.

Whether you need gifts for teachers and other school staff, would like to purchase something inspirational for a friend, or just want to get some new ideas for yourself, you’ll find great options in our store.