New or unfamiliar foods can be hard, especially around the holidays. This visual gives children choices like looking, smelling, touching, tasting, saying “no thank you,” or taking a break.

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The goal isn’t to pressure them to eat—it’s to let them explore food in a way that feels comfortable for them.

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How We're Using It With James:

​I’ll use this visual with James when we’re around foods that are new or that he isn’t sure about. Instead of making eating the only goal, I can show him that there are different ways he can explore a food. He might look at it, smell it, touch it, taste it, or decide he isn’t ready yet. I especially want him to know he can say “no thank you,” choose something else, or take a break. We can always try again another time.

 

The goal is to keep food exploration positive and low-pressure while giving James a way to communicate what he’s comfortable with.