The division of responsibility is an authoritative approach, providing structure and limits, but allowing the child autonomy within those limits. Parents can best support their child’s eating by providing the structure of family sit-down meals and snacks and modeling relaxed, enjoyable eating. The division of responsibility is built on the trust that children know when they are hungry and full, that they want to eat, and that they want to learn to eat grown-up foods. VIDEO: “ FEAST: Division of Responsibility” by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Youtube (January 23, 2019), 4:22

Grow into the body that is right for him or her.

Learn to eat a variety of foods that are offered at family meals.

Trust your child knows how much food to eat and will grow into the body right for them.

Be considerate of food preferences, but don’t cater to likes and dislikes.

Only offer water between meal and snack times no other foods or beverages.

Decide what foods will be offered at meals and snacks.

Provide structured, sit-down meals and snacks at predictable times.The Division of Responsibility outlines the optimal relationship between parent and child when it comes to feeding: the parent determines the what, where, and when of feeding, and the child chooses how much to eat and whether to eat from the foods provided. Ellyn Satter is a dietitian, family therapist, and internationally recognized authority on eating and feeding. The gold standard for feeding children is Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility (sDOR).

In this section, we will discuss best practices for providing family meals and raising healthy eaters. 1įamily meals have many nutritional, social, and emotional benefits. Families who regularly eat together have children who eat more fruits and vegetables, have healthier weights, and are less likely to use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco when they are older.

The structure and environment that parents provide when feeding not only impacts nutrition, but it can also affect weight and behavioral problems. But, just as important as WHAT we feed kids, is HOW we feed kids. As we discussed previously, what we feed kids is important to ensure that they are meeting their nutrient requirements.

Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter