Introduction: As parents, we often encounter unexpected behaviours from our children that leave us feeling worried or unsure about what to do. Recently, I discovered that my child had been hiding food in her room. My initial reaction was one of concern, and it left me questioning if this behaviour was a sign of something more serious.

Understanding Why Children Hide Food: Hiding food can be a behaviour rooted in various underlying issues. For some children, it might be a way to gain a sense of control, especially during times of change, such as the arrival of a new sibling. For others, it might be a comfort-seeking behaviour or a way to cope with feelings of insecurity.

The Impact of Family Dynamics: In our case, the birth of a new baby and the changes in our family’s routine may have contributed to this behaviour. It’s possible that my daughter felt like she wasn’t getting enough attention and used food hiding as a way to express her emotions. This realisation helped me approach the situation with more empathy and understanding.

Using Occupational Therapy to Address Behavioural Concerns: Occupational Therapy (OT) can be an effective way to address these kinds of behavioural concerns. An OT can work with the child and family to understand the underlying causes of the behaviour and develop strategies to address them. For example, OT might focus on helping the child express their emotions in healthy ways or work on building their sense of security and self-regulation.

Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication: One of the steps we’ve taken is to create more opportunities for one-on-one time with our daughter, reassuring her that she is still just as important and loved. We’ve also tried to keep communication open, letting her know that she can come to us with any worries or feelings she has, without fear of judgment.

Conclusion: Discovering that your child is hiding food can be concerning, but it’s important to approach the situation with understanding and support. Occupational Therapy can offer valuable insights and strategies to help address the underlying issues and guide both the child and parents toward healthier behaviours. By fostering open communication and spending quality time together, we can help our children feel secure and valued, even amidst the changes that life brings.

Thank you for reading, from a parent learning to understand and support her little one’s hidden struggles.