Topic: Fun not Fuss with Food - Managing behaviour
Description
What is an eating and mealtime behaviour problem?
Problem eating and mealtime behaviours are common in children. The behaviour of children at mealtimes rates as common source of stress for Australian parents.
Q: What is an example of problem eating and mealtime behaviours?
A: The child spits out food, refuses to come to the table, refuses to stay at the table during meals, whines or cries, fights at the table with siblings, or gags or vomits.
Some reasons why problem eating and mealtime behaviours occur could be
- changes in appetite
- lack of routine
- as a parent you may have unrealistic expectations for your child
- if your child is provided with lots of attention when he or she does not eat or misbehaves at mealtime
- if your child receives little attention for good mealtime behaviour.
As a parent think about
- Which mealtimes are the biggest problem?
- What makes these mealtimes different?
- Which mealtimes work well and what is going on at these times?
- Is your child less tired?
- Is your child getting more attention because there is less adult conversation going on?
Your take home strategies for success
Now that you have looked at the possible causes of behaviour problems, think about changes that you would like to see in your or your childs behaviour. Setting clear goals is one of the most successful ways of helping you to make and promote a positive mealtime. Goals point you in the direction you want to head.
How to set your goals
A simple guide for setting goals is to make them "SMART"
- Specific - so it is very clear what you are aiming for
- Measurable - so you will know when you have achieved it
- Achievable - something you are able to do
- Realistic - something that is practical for you and your child to achieve
- T ime-based - set with a time frame (eg. by end of month)
An example of a goal is: Jamie to try one new food each week
Activity:
List those changes that you would like to see in your child's behaviour or your own behaviour. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-based.
Last Updated: 25th June, 2009
Date Valid to: 25th November, 2009
