Provide the appropriate equipment to meet the child's needs. A child with special needs may require adaptations to utensils, chairs, and other feeding equipment in order to eat successfully. Consult with the child's parents and therapist for ideas and guidance on how to use the equipment properly. Evaluate your environment for distractions. A room that is filled with lots of sounds and activity may make it hard for children to pay attention to eating.
Most children enjoy calm surroundings.
Keep regular mealtimes. Sometimes children lose their appetite if mealtime is delayed, and the result may be picky eating as well as cranky behavior. Compliment children during mealtime. Focus on children's successes. Stop aggressive behavior.