my body, my say β€” the snack truce πŸ₯•πŸ§

a storytelling podcast supporting emotional regulation through the power of play

 christos and nate have big feelings about snacks, especially when miss tutti-fruitti announces the strict rules around fruit break. in this episode, they discover the power of making their own snack choices and standing up for what feels right for their bodies β€” through a creative β€œsnack truce.” this story supports emotional resilience, body autonomy, and self-compassion, offering gentle guidance for neurodivergent kids to navigate food preferences and the social dynamics of school snack time.

🎧 listen to the episode

a gentle story for neurodivergent kids navigating snack-time challenges, co-created in therapy to support body autonomy, food choices, and self-advocacy.

πŸ“ about this episode

christos and nate are best mates, but they don’t always agree with snack rules. at school, miss tutti-fruitti enforces a β€œfruit-only” rule, leaving christos frustrated when his carrot sticks are dismissed. nate’s homemade yoghurt helps him think, but it’s also banned. as they sit together on the buddy bench, they come up with an idea to create a β€œsnack truce” β€” a place where everyone’s snack choices are respected. together, they stand up for the idea that food isn’t about being β€œgood” or β€œbad” but about what feels best for each individual.

this story brings up themes of sensory sensitivities, food preferences, and how to advocate for oneself in a way that feels empowering. it gently reminds us that our bodies know best, and it’s okay to be different.

πŸ’­ reflection questions

  • what kinds of food help your brain focus or feel calm?

  • have you ever felt judged for your snack?

  • what would a snack truce look like in your classroom?

  • what snack makes you feel happy and strong?

πŸ’› note for grown-ups

this story gently explores how children’s food preferences β€” shaped by sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or the need for predictability β€” can be respected in a school setting. when kids feel judged for what they eat, they may feel self-conscious and experience increased stress at snack times. the snack truce can be a way to empower kids to advocate for themselves when it comes to food and their bodies. it offers language and strategies to communicate their needs kindly.

πŸ’‘ therapy tips to try

  • encourage your child to express how they feel about their snack choices or lunchtime experiences. you might ask, "what does your body want to eat today?"

  • help them brainstorm ways to advocate for themselves in a kind way when they don’t feel comfortable with food rules or expectations.

  • consider setting up a snack β€œchoice chart” at home where your child can make empowered snack decisions that suit their needs.

πŸ’‘ a gentle note

these therapy tips were created with the brave sparks who helped shape and provided the voice overs in this story. your child’s needs may be different, so it’s always a good idea to check in with their therapy team. the good news? these ideas can do no harm β€” and they might even spark some fun, connection, or curiosity along the way 🌟

🎧 credits

✍️ written by:
trust children and the kids we support (with a sprinkle of ai magic)

πŸŽ™οΈ voice:
the brave sparks who inspired the story with the brave sparks team.

πŸŽ›οΈ sound mixing:
brave sparks team

🎢 music:
🍾 champagne dream synth by apple β€” garageband loop
πŸ•ΉοΈ arcade dreams sweet pad by apple β€” garageband loop
πŸŽ“ academy all by apple β€” garageband loop

πŸ”Š sound effects include:
πŸ₯• cracker by D4XX β€” freesound.org/s/541365 β€” cc0
🀒 puke/vomiting by Joao_de_Deus β€” freesound.org/s/330533 β€” attribution 4.0
πŸ’¦ vomit splat by SpliceSound β€” freesound.org/s/338116 β€” cc0
πŸŒ€ groaning gurgle by SoundsExciting β€” freesound.org/s/204362 β€” cc0
πŸ’‘ idea ding by Saya13 β€” freesound.org/s/407258 β€” cc0
πŸŽ‰ oh yeah (vocal one shot) by Duisterwho β€” freesound.org/s/644087 β€” cc0
✨ unforgettable moments by universfield β€” freesound.org/s/698550 β€” attribution 4.0

πŸŒ€ part of the brave sparks podcast β€” co-created in therapy, shaped by the voice, needs, and strengths of neurodivergent children 🌟

🌟 explore more brave sparks

every episode is a therapy story in action β€” playful, personal, and led by the children we work with πŸ’› browse more stories shaped by real challenges, silly moments, and brave sparks of growth:

– awkward dog & the great big splash 🐾
– my body, my say β€” the toilet truce πŸš½βœ‹
– the energy spill adventure 🌊⚠️

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