S2, Ep. 17: How to Feed Kids Responsively

Heidi and Jennifer are back! This week, they are sharing some tips and important pillars for feeding kids responsively. When children are learning to eat after having been tube dependent, it’s easy to focus on hunger only, but true progress comes from safety, comfort, and connection first. Eating isn’t just about what’s on the plate! It’s shaped by the environment, communication and language around eating and feeding, and how your child feels. Before thinking about what foods to offer, we encourage you to start by noticing who your child is outside of mealtimes. How do they handle new situations? Noise? Mess? These clues help you shape a mealtime experience that feels predictable and safe, which is where learning to eat begins.

Early on, comfort and enjoyment matter more than how much your child eats. Food is new and can feel hard, so try to focus on helping your child feel secure and curious before volumes and varieties. That might mean sitting together on the floor, offering familiar snack foods, or keeping mealtimes playful and low-pressure. Remember the Division of Responsibility. You decide what, when, and where to offer food, and your child decides if and how much to eat. It’s about providing structure while allowing freedom, so your child can explore food at their own pace.

Progress in tube weaning certainly isn’t linear. It’s a process of discovery. Some days will go smoothly and others won’t, and that’s okay. Reflect on what you notice, stay flexible, and keep comfort at the center of the oral eating experiences. When you focus on safety, connection, and responsiveness instead of consumption, you create the foundation your child needs to build trust with food and eventually eat with confidence and joy.

** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.**

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