If your child is a fussy eater, you may feel overwhelmed by the challenge of getting them to eat a balanced diet. However, it’s important to remember that you and your child have a shared responsibility when it comes to mealtime. The division of responsibility (DOR) is an approach to feeding children that has been used successfully by parents and professionals alike.

The division of responsibility was developed by the renowned feeding expert Ellyn Satter, and is based on the premise that parents are responsible for what, when and where food is served, and children are responsible for whether and how much they eat. This approach helps to create a positive relationship between parent and child when it comes to meals, and allows parents to take a more relaxed attitude towards feeding.

What is the parent’s responsibility in the division of responsibility?

Parents are responsible for deciding what food is served, when meals and snacks are offered and where they are eaten. It’s important that parents offer a variety of foods, as children need to be exposed to different tastes and textures in order to learn to enjoy them. Parents should also ensure that meals and snacks are served at regular intervals, as this helps to keep hunger in check and prevents overeating. Additionally, parents should decide where meals and snacks are eaten – this could be at the table, in front of the tv or in the garden.

What is the child’s responsibility in the division of responsibility?

Children are responsible for deciding whether or not to eat, and how much they eat. Parents should not pressure their children to eat, or use food as a reward or punishment. It is important that children are allowed to eat until they feel satisfied, and should not be forced to clean their plate. Additionally, children should be allowed to choose which foods they eat, within reason. Parents should not force their children to eat certain foods, as this can create a negative association with those foods and make it harder for children to learn to enjoy them.

Overall, the division of responsibility is an important approach to feeding children that can help to create a positive relationship between parent and child. By understanding their roles and responsibilities, parents can help to ensure that their children are getting the nutrition they need to grow and develop.

Learn more about fussy eating in children in my blog 'Should I worry about my fussy eater?'

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