10/28/2026
💙A MESSAGE TO OUR MAGICAL KIDS FAMILIES: CHOKING AWARENESS & MEALTIME SAFETY 💙
Dear Magical Kids Families,
Recently, I came across a news story about a young child who experienced a choking emergency at school. It was a reminder of how important it is to educate our children about mealtime safety and ensure that the adults supervising them know how to recognize and respond to an emergency.
As a parent and a speech-language pathologist, this topic is especially important to me. Our children’s safety goes beyond the therapy room, and I want to encourage every family to be proactive in helping their children stay safe wherever they eat. 💙
🍎 WHAT CAN PARENTS DO AT HOME?
Please take a few moments to review these important safety practices with your children:
✅ Teach your child how to ask for help. Explain that if food gets stuck or they have trouble breathing, they should immediately get an adult’s attention. Teach them the universal choking gesture—bringing one or both hands to the throat—but remember that not every child will know or be able to use this gesture. Practice other ways to communicate distress, such as pointing to the throat, using a picture or communication device, or using a pre-taught signal.
✅ Practice safe swallowing precautions.
* Sit upright while eating.
* Take small bites and chew food thoroughly.
* Eat slowly and finish swallowing before taking another bite.
* Avoid talking, laughing, running, or playing with food in the mouth.
* Avoid eating while walking, lying down, or engaging in other activities.
* Follow any individualized feeding and swallowing recommendations provided by your child’s healthcare team.
✅ Make sure your child knows who to ask for help. Remind them to alert a teacher, cafeteria monitor, or another trusted adult immediately if they are choking or notice someone else in distress.
🏫 PARENTS, PLEASE ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILDREN!
It is okay—and important—to ask your child’s school questions about mealtime safety. Consider asking:
* Are the staff members supervising breakfast and lunch trained to recognize the signs of choking?
* Are supervising staff members trained in age-appropriate choking response procedures?
* Is there an established emergency response plan for students who choke or cannot verbally communicate distress?
* How are students monitored while eating, particularly those who may have feeding difficulties or communication challenges?
These questions are not about placing blame. They are about prevention, preparedness, and making sure our children are supported and protected.
💙 A SPECIAL REMINDER FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH COMMUNICATION OR FEEDING DIFFICULTIES
Some children may not be able to tell an adult what is wrong, and not every child will display the same signs of distress. If your child uses AAC, gestures, or other forms of communication, work with their speech-language pathologist and healthcare team to establish an accessible way to signal for help. Share any individualized feeding and swallowing precautions with the appropriate caregivers and school personnel.
Let’s work together to make mealtimes safer for every child. A few minutes spent teaching, practicing, and asking questions can make a meaningful difference.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s journey. At Magical Kids Therapy, PLLC, we believe that supporting children means advocating for their safety, communication, and well-being in every environment. 💙✨
Please share this message with other parents and caregivers. Awareness matters!
— Celia Kathem, M.S., CCC-SLP
Magical Kids Therapy, PLLC 💙
*General strategies do not eliminate choking risk, and children with diagnosed swallowing difficulties may require specific guidance from their healthcare team.
