My name is Micah and I live in Kansas in the USA. I am a speech pathologist working with an Indian family.
What is a typical family meal like in an Indian household. What is feeding therapy like in Indian?
I am providing feeding therapy to their 19 mos daughter who refuses to eat everything including milk. Prior to coming into their home, they were force feeding the little girl, in fear that she was not getting enough calories. We have discussed making a feeding routine and including her cooperation with sitting in a highchair while eating.
Here is my question: the parent have told me the the Indian culture does not use highchairs and that many children run around the room and eat off their parents plates. I want to know what is a typical Indian meal like and if anyone has done feeding therapy with a speech pathologist or occupational therapy, what is it like in Indian. I want to help this family but I first must understand the feeding culture that they practice. I don' t want to force an American view on something that is not appropriate for this family. I would love any views or comments. Aradhana replied. hello,
Well , i think i can help u here. I am a mother of a 3 yr old and residing in India. A typical indian household eats in this manner.
1) They do not use highchairs. Mostly, they will sit on the floor crosslegged and eat. Even children. Running around.. well thast not an indian style, thats the convinience of the parents. In fact , in many Indian cultures, it is considered rude to get up during a meal. You have to wait for all to finish their food. My dd had all her meals, since she could sit up without support, seated on the floor.
2) Indians most often than not eat large meals as opposed to their western counterparts. Also, depending on which part of India they belong too , the meal differs. In north it could be predominately chappattis( indian wheat bread) and cooked vegetables and in the south its more of rice and lentils.
3)We usually eat fruit/curd after a meal
4) Most often than not, we force feed our kids. And overestimate their appetites. Also complaining that they are not full. Very rarely do we realise that the kids know when they are full.
6)Also, we feed the kids almost all the time . Like if i am eating something , i will give my kid a bite or two and then in 10 mins expect the child to eat again , a full meal. If they do not, then they are fussy and not eating.

Hope these help. They are from personal exp and mistakes/lessons i have learnt.

Thanks
aru