How to Gently Expand Your Child’s Play or Food Preferences Using “Chaining”

By Rachel Lynn, CCC-SLP | Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist | Founder, NewDay Child Coaching

❓ What If Your Child Gets Stuck on One Thing?

• Only plays with cars?

• Only eats crunchy orange snacks?

• Obsessed with one toy, one food, or one routine?

That’s where a strategy called chaining comes in. It’s something we use in therapy every day—and you can use it too.

Gently Expand Your Child’s Play

💡 What Is Chaining?

Chaining means using something your child already likes (a motivator) to build toward something new. You’re not changing everything all at once—you’re making tiny, connected steps that stretch their comfort zone without causing stress.

“Chaining is how we help kids move from where they are to where they’re ready to go next.”

Rachel Lynn, CCC-SLP

Use the items, or concepts, your child loves and build from there!

Gently Expand Your Child’s Play

🚗 Example 1: “My Child Only Plays With Cars”

Let’s say your child only wants to play with cars. That’s OK! You can chain from that interest.

Here’s how:

1. Start where they are: Sit and play cars together.

2. Add a learning layer: Start counting the cars out loud.

3. Add a sorting task: Separate by color or size.

4. Add new materials: Introduce a book about cars, or a car-themed puzzle.

5. Branch out: Bring in a train or airplane toy. Still “vehicles,” but now expanding!

✅ You’re still honoring their love of cars—but gently growing their skills, vocabulary, and flexibility.

🥕 Example 2: “My Child Only Eats Orange Crunchy Things”

Your child only wants:

• Cheetos

• Goldfish crackers

• Carrots

Try chaining with one attribute at a time—usually appearance is the easiest:

1. Offer sweet potato chips—same color and crunch

2. Then try orange bell peppers—same color, new taste/texture

3. Then move to crunchy green veggies—new look, same crunch

4. Later, try a new flavor with a similar texture (like crackers with dip)

💡 One step at a time = more success and less stress

🔁 What Can You Chain From?

Choose one similarity to link the new experience to something familiar:

Attribute to Match	Example
🎨 Color	Orange snacks → orange veggies
👅 Texture	Crunchy → crispy
👃 Smell	Sweet → mild fruit
🔊 Sound	Noisy toy → musical toy
🧠 Theme	Cars → other vehicles → transportation books

Start with what they like. Then stretch from there.

🧠 Why Chaining Works (The Brain Science)

• Children feel safe with patterns and predictability

• Repetition builds trust and anticipation

• Confidence grows when success is possible

• Tiny changes are less overwhelming than big ones

Chaining helps your child explore, not avoid.

🚫 What Chaining Is Not:

It’s NOT:

• Forcing a child to try something scary

• Removing the thing they love

• Expecting immediate change

It IS:

• Respecting preferences

• Using their interests as a bridge

• Helping kids take ownership of new experiences

  
  

👩🏻‍⚕️ Clinician-Approved Strategy

Our team of pediatric SLPs, OTs, and PTs uses chaining across all domains:

• Mealtime strategies for selective eaters

• Play expansion for kids stuck on one toy

• Motor skill development for children who avoid new tasks

• Communication growth through preferred topics

It works—because it meets the child where they are, and gently moves them forward.

📥 Want Help Expanding Play or Mealtime or Crawling?

Download our freebies or our WhyDo & HowTo™: Crawling guide, or join the waitlist for our on-demand ThriveStart™ course for practical, research-informed strategies you can start today.

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

We believe parents should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. If you’ve got questions or want to learn more:

• Leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you!

• Join our Facebook Subscribers Group for just $0.99/month to access expert Q&As and exclusive content

• Follow us on Instagram for helpful tips and real-life examples

• Check out our YouTube channel for bite-sized videos packed with practical strategies and longer tutorials where we provide you important information

  
  

And remember, early support isn’t just intervention—it’s prevention, empowerment, and connection. And it’s never too early to be curious, ask questions, and seek guidance. We’re here for you, every step of the way. 🍼👣✨

With heart,

The NewDay Child Coaching Team

Rachel Lynn: Communication and Swallowing/Feeding Guide

Amber Michelle: Physical Development Guide

Amanda Rae: Fine Motor, Sensorimotor, Sensory/Feeding Guide

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