11/14/2019
Raise competent eaters not “healthy” ones.
The idea of “healthy” eating often caries with it very specific ideas about foods, frequencies, and portions. Often times these ideas do not align with what actually enhances an individual’s wellbeing around food and eating. So instead of trying to get your kiddo to be a “healthy” eater, I recommend you explore what it takes to raise a competent eater.
Competent eaters feel good about food and eating.
Competent eaters eat a variety of foods and enjoy learning to eat new foods.
Competent eaters trust themselves to eat enough food.
Competent eaters take time to eat, have regular meals, and pay attention while they eat.
We can raise competent eaters by employing Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility (DOR) in feeding from birth. DOR looks a bit different as your child gets older and their development progresses but ultimately it is always grounded in regular and predictable access to a variety of foods and the absence of pressure (positive or negative) around food and eating.
Google “Ellyn Satter Institute” to learn more and start your kiddo on the path to becoming a competent eater.
