When you first get your device, you’re going to be looking for natural communication opportunities to use it. You don’t want communication to feel forced or like homework, and you’re a busy parent! Finding something that fits into your daily routine is an excellent starting point, like mealtimes!

Preparing and eating meals and snacks is a fantastic opportunity for your loved one to practice communication using their QuickTalker Freestyle. Keep it simple. There’s no need to plan special activities or gather special items. All you need to do is keep the device nearby and include your child in what you’re doing.

Start By Choosing What to Eat🔗

Start with something simple…a choice. Have your child decide between two of their favorite snacks. Show them the options while saying the names out loud, and point to the corresponding words or images on their device.

• Example: Select “mac and cheese” + “peanut butter and jelly” on the device while saying them out loud.

If your child asks for something that you don’t have you should still celebrate their communication. Then, explain to them why their choice isn’t an option and repeat the two options again.

• Example: Verbally say, “We don’t have hamburgers today. Would you like to eat mac and cheese or peanut butter and jelly?” while selecting the two options on the device.

If you see your child on the verge of meltdown, there’s nothing wrong with abandoning the idea and switching to something else they’d enjoy. There will always be other communication opportunities.

It Takes Two🔗

If your child can help, let them be part of preparing the meal. Even if it’s something as small as putting their plate on the table or handing you items while you cook.

Keep their device within reach and model words as you go. Talk about the food and kitchen items you’re using.

• Examples: cheese, bread, plate, knife, napkin

You don’t have to wait for your child to use the device first. Modeling communication shows your loved one how to use the device throughout the day.

Talk About More Than Food🔗

Once you’re sitting down to eat, keep the conversation going. There probably isn’t a lot to say about the food, but try it. Talk about how the food looks, smells, and tastes.

• Examples: “delicious” “I love it,” “yucky,” “no thank you”

And remember, just because you’re at the table doesn’t mean you have to talk about food. You can talk about anything! Whatever your child is interested in, give it a shot.

• Examples: “How was SCHOOL?,” “Do you like MATH or ENGLISH better?” “What MOVIE do you want to watch after dinner?”

Try, Try Again!🔗

Mealtime doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Keep the QuickTalker Freestyle available, model language the best you can, and give your child plenty of opportunities to communicate.

Most importantly, celebrate their attempts to communicate, even if their attempts are hard to understand. Keep trying and you’ll build a strong foundation before you know it.

Save This Checklist🔗

Want an easy reference you can use anytime? Download this printable guide for practical ideas to support AAC communication during everyday activities at home.