Picky Eating Stops Here: Division of Responsibility Method for Toddlers.
The Satter Division of Responsibility is a method of feeding aimed at helping children learn to trust their own hunger and fullness cues. Developed by dietitian and family therapist Ellyn Satter, it can be used with kids of any age.
Here are some tips to try it out:
Stick to a regular schedule.
A predictable meal-and-snack routine helps toddlers know what to expect and gives them plenty of opportunities to fuel up. If your little one decides she's not hungry, she can always eat more at the next opportunity.
Offer a variety of foods.
A variety of choices exposes your child to different flavours, textures, and, of course, nutrients. Even if she's not willing to try something, keep offering it. She might change her tune eventually.
Have something on the table that you know your child likes.
Not every item you serve has to be a favourite. But having one thing you know your tot will eat can help her feel more comfortable — and might encourage her to try other things.
Resist the urge to pressure.
If your child doesn't want a certain food (or any food), play it cool. Remember, it's her job to decide what and how much to eat! You can also ask your little one how much she'd like to eat or if she wants to eat at all.
Serve food family-style.
Rather than plating food lunch-lady-style for your toddler, ask her if she'd like a scoop of potatoes or a few pieces of chicken. Once she's able to (messily) serve herself, even better!
Sit at the table together, turn off the TV and put away the phones.
Make eating together and family time the focus when you're eating. Screens can distract your toddler and make it harder for her to eat. Be sure to talk to your child during mealtimes too (about things other than food!).
Be a good role model.
When your toddler sees you enjoying a range of healthy foods as well as your favourite treats, she'll start to do the same.
Call the doctor if you have concerns.
Talk with the paediatrician if your toddler's picky eating habits seem to be affecting her growth or behaviour. Together you can see whether there are underlying issues affecting your child's feeding and come up with a solution that's right for her.
Above all, be patient.
The division of responsibility approach just might be your ticket to taming the pickiness, but shifting your family's food habits can also be an adjustment. Change might not come overnight! But if you stay cool, calm and consistent, you'll find your way to happier, easier mealtimes.
Good luck!