What if I were to tell you that the tone of a meal is often established well before you even sit at the table? Mornings can be rough. Your child didn’t sleep well and is fighting to get out of bed, brushing teeth is a battle, and her favorite T shirt is buried in the dirty hamper. By the time she comes down the stairs, she has five minutes to eat a wholesome breakfast and regulate herself for the rest of the day. What is that five minute meal going to look like? How is that moment going to shape her ability to participate, cope, and connect throughout the day? Now, what if I were to tell you there are ways to support a child in daily activities that set the stage for mealtime success? Maybe it’s waking up to a favorite song. Maybe it’s using an electronic toothbrush for a little extra oral input. Maybe it’s setting out clothes the night before to ease the morning transition. These small, meaningful routines don’t just make mornings smoother — they build the foundation for calmer, more confident mealtimes and a more regulated day.

Maddie Duzyk, OTD, OTR/L
Founder, PositiveOT