By Danielle Rocque, M.S. CCC-SLP
As a speech-language pathologist specializing in pediatric feeding therapy, I love the On-the-Go Snack Mat for so many reasons!
When working with picky eaters, I often recommend introducing non-preferred foods before preferred foods. The Snack Mat makes this process simple by allowing you to present non-preferred foods first and then easily reveal preferred foods as your child progresses through the meal. This strategy can also be helpful for children who tend to fill up on snack foods and avoid other food groups.
For example, if your goal is to increase fruit intake, you might offer fruit in the first compartment and then open the next section containing a preferred snack once the fruit has been explored or eaten.
If you're working on expanding snack options and your child loves Goldfish crackers, you could first offer a different brand or flavor before revealing their preferred Goldfish. This creates a structured, predictable mealtime experience that feels less overwhelming for children.
For children who benefit from a behavioral approach, the Snack Mat easily supports "if/then" strategies. You can even attach picture cards to the outside of the mat to reinforce expectations. For example:
- "If you eat your strawberries, then you can have your Veggie Straws."
- "If you take three bites, then we're all done with this food for today."
Finally, many children in feeding therapy struggle to find foods they are willing or able to eat when dining out or traveling. The Snack Mat provides a portable, organized solution that allows families to bring familiar foods wherever they go, helping make meals away from home more successful, predictable, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Whether you're working on food acceptance, behavioral goals, or simply making mealtimes less stressful, the On-the-Go Snack Mat is a versatile tool that can support feeding success across a variety of ages and stages.
About the Author
Danielle Rocque, M.S. CCC-SLP earned her Master of Science degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2010 and has over a decade of experience working with infants and young children across Early Intervention, outpatient rehabilitation, schools, and private practice. She specializes in infant and pediatric feeding, including medically fragile infants, NICU graduates, and children with Down syndrome.
