“It is important to remember that children have the remarkable inborn mechanism that lets them know how much food and which types of food they need for normal growth and development.” -Dr. Benjamin Spock
We are constantly hearing the cries that childhood "obesity” has become an epidemic in our country. Many people claim to have the solution, whether it be eliminating fast food or increasing physical activity, although none of them seem to be the answer. First of all, and most importantly, it is imperative to remember that every body is unique and people (including children) come in all shapes and sizes.
The relationship with food begins at birth, when the sole feeding responsibility of the parent is the decide what (breast milk or formula) to feed the newborn. The baby will decide just about everything else, including how much and how often. Even at this very young age, newborns have the ability to sense their hunger and fullness. It is crucial that parents resist the urge to get caught up in how many ounces to feed and how many hours between feedings. Babies and toddlers have an inborn ability to crave what they need and listen to their cues to tell them how much they need. This is healthy eating in children (and adults, but that is another post).
Once children are able to feed themselves, the parent provides structure to meal times without rigidity. Parents should provide a meal or snack, and designate where it should be eaten. The child should still have control over how much is eaten and if they even want to eat at all. Allowing children to eat when they are hungry, including odd snack times will help them remain intuitive eaters. Just like bathroom needs vary, so do hunger needs.
Demand feeding (intuitive eating) occurs when one eats what they are craving, when they are hungry, and stops when they are full. Children naturally do this at birth, and although it seems like a very simple concept, parents often intervene