At this point, you've likely heard of the Division of Responsibility in Feeding. If not, it's a popular framework of feeding children that was devised by Ellyn Satter, RD and family therapist. It is used in my practice as one of the important foundational tool for building a positive family feeding dynamic, along with other crucial facets such as play based feeding, eating hierarchy and a fundamental understanding of nutrition (to name a few)

In the Division of Responsibility of Feeding framework - there are clear roles. And often, when there is stress at feeding- it is because there is blurring of these roles. Stress in the feeding dynamic can look like the child demanding what is offered for meals and then refusing all others, the parents preparing multiple meals and on the edge of burning out, the child coming and going from the table, eating while looking at a screen, or repetitive intake with no variety in sight. 

So what are the roles? In a nutshell - the parent (or any adult person involved in taking care of the child) is responsible for what, where, and when and the child is responsible for how much and if. Or said in another way -  a caregiver’s role when it comes to feeding is to plan, prepare and provide. A child’s role is to decide if, and how much from what is provided.  Please note - there is a different delineations of roles when it comes to the feeding dynamic between infants and parents. 

I have taught this approach.

I believe in this approach and have seen it's success first hand. There is lots of evidence to back its use when it is properly used and integrated into family feeding dynamics.

I also personally use this approach at home.

Saying a child will eat if they are hungry is just not true.  Although this principle appears simple, it isn't always easy. And in order to have success with this model - all aspects of the PARENT role need to first be followed completely and consistently - with a full understanding of the breadth of each aspect. Then, and only then, can the child be expected to be able to follow through with their jobs. 

So what are you thoughts about this... Is this new to you? Is this something you have already successfully incorporated into your household?  I invite you to share your thoughts by reaching out to me via DM on my instagram "@feedingfromtheheart". Ellyn Satter also wrote a book called "Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense"* and this is the OG book for pediatric dietitians (or really anyone who works with kids and food) - if you're interested to dive into this, grab your own copy - it's a good read! 

Cheering you on, 

~Brigitte