S2, Ep. 22: Tubies at the Table

Happy Feeding Tube Awareness Week! Jeni and Heidi are here this week to celebrate your family and to talk about how to gently and meaningfully include your tube-fed child in family mealtimes without pressure to eat. Meals are about so much more than calories or consumption! They’re also about connection, belonging, learning, and shared experiences. Whether your child eats by mouth, by tube, or both, they deserve to feel included, powerful, and safe at the table.

Things to consider:

• Feeding looks different in every home and all of it counts!

• Mealtimes are more than food. Yes, tube feeds happen in specific, medical ways (guided by your care team). But family meals can still be nourishing through connection, love, and togetherness.

• Inclusion matters, even without eating. Your child doesn’t need to take bites to belong. Being present, silly, passing food, starting conversations, or just hanging out all count.

• Follow your child’s comfort and cues. Participation might look different for every child. The goal is agency! Letting them join in ways that feel safe and manageable for them.

• Let’s move away from “tolerance.” We don’t want kids just surviving mealtimes. We want meaningful, enjoyable experiences built around comfort and connection.

• Self-regulation comes first. When kids are tube-fed and not hungry, it makes sense they’re not interested in food. We don’t want children learning to override their body signals just to meet expectations.

• Connection over bites. Comfort, safety, and shared moments matter far more than tastes, licks, or mouthfuls.

• There’s no need for perfection. Include your child in whatever way works for your family. Small moments of togetherness add up.

• They’re learning even when they’re not eating. Kids soak in so much at the table! For example, how people interact, what food looks like, and that they belong.

And, if your child uses a feeding tube long-term, they can still grow up knowing they’re included and valued at mealtimes, no matter how they receive nutrition. This Feeding Tube Awareness Week, let’s celebrate every tubie, every caregiver, and every version of togetherness, because connection is always on the menu.

** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.**

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