Toddler Mealtimes with the Division of Responsibility Method

Discover the secrets to stress-free toddler mealtimes with the Division of Responsibility method! Nurture healthy habits and joyful food adventures together.

Child Feeding: The Division of Responsibility (DoR) Method

Introduction: 

Welcome to stress-free mealtimes! Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility (DoR) approach is your ticket to a happy and healthy feeding journey with your toddler. You are responsible for choosing the menu and setting the schedule for mealtimes. Your little one becomes the food adventurer, deciding what and how much to eat. This approach eliminates food battles, nurtures curiosity, and empowers your child. We’re giving you helpful advice, from being patient and showing you how to eat to respecting what your child likes.

1. Division of Responsibility:

Ellyn Satter developed the Division of Responsibility (DoR) approach to help parents and caregivers feed toddlers and children. During mealtime, adults and children should have structured roles.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Parent’s Role: 

In the Division of Responsibility (DoR), parents are like the leaders of the mealtime team. They get to decide what’s on the menu, when to eat, and where everyone sits for the meal. It’s like being the kitchen boss and ensuring everything runs smoothly during mealtime.

• What:
  You pick the healthy foods for meals, like fruits, veggies, proteins, grains, and dairy. It’s like creating a team of good choices to eat.

• When:
  You’re responsible for setting the mealtime schedule. Create regular meal and snack times so your little one knows when to eat.
  
• Where:
  Set the stage for a happy mealtime theater. Set a calm and cozy environment without distractions like TV or smartphones. It’s all about quality family time around the table.
  

Child’s Role: 

Now, let your child be the boss of their food adventure! 

• Whether:
  Your child gets to decide if they want to try different foods. It’s like giving them control over their food choices and letting them choose if they’re hungry or not.
  
• How Much:
  Your child is also in charge of how much they eat. Encourage them to listen to their tummy and eat the right amount. 

2. Why You Should Try the Division of Responsibility Method:

This method has some delightful perks for both you and your little one:

• Healthy Habits: 
  It helps your child develop a harmonious relationship with food, learning to eat just the right amount. It lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating.
  
• No More Food Fights: 
  Bid farewell to mealtime meltdowns and food-related power struggles. This approach turns mealtimes into enjoyable family moments, free from stress.
  
• Food Adventures: 
  By offering a variety of foods and giving your child some say, you’re nurturing their curiosity as little food explorers. They’ll be eager to taste new flavors and textures.
  
• Growing Independence: 
  The method empowers your child, making them feel like a big kid at the table as they make their own food choices.

3. Tips for Feeding Your Toddler Using Division of Responsibility:

Let’s sprinkle some friendly advice to make this journey smoother:

• Patience, Please: 
  Just like teaching any new skill, it may take time for your toddler to get the hang of it. Stay patient and keep at it.
  
• Be a Food Role Model: 
  Your eating habits can be contagious! Show your child how delightful it is to enjoy a variety of foods.
  
• Introduce New Foods Slowly: 
  If your child is a bit wary of certain foods, introduce them in small, non-intimidating portions. Repeated exposure works like magic.
  
• No Pressure, Just Pleasure: 
  Skip the food pressure game. Let your child eat at their own pace without pushing them to finish everything on their plate.
  
• Mix It Up: 
  Keep things interesting by offering different foods, even ones they’ve turned their nose up at before. Taste preferences can change over time.
  
• Respect Their Tastes: 
  While you encourage variety, remember that your child has their food likes and dislikes. It’s okay if they don’t like everything you serve.
  
• Seek Help If Needed: 
  If you ever have concerns about your child’s growth or eating habits, don’t hesitate to contact a pediatrician or a registered dietitian for expert guidance.

Conclusion:

The Division of Responsibility in feeding is like a joyful food journey between you and your toddler. You provide the menu and meal structure, and your child decides how much and whether they want to eat. It’s all about creating happy and balanced mealtimes, setting the stage for a lifelong love of healthy eating.