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feeding your child using division of responsibility

overview

division of responsibility is a way of feeding children that takes the battle out of meal times and helps children stay in touch with their internal hunger gauge.

from birth until your child is between 6 months and 1 year old:

  • you are responsible for what your child eats.
  • your child is responsible for how much and how often he or she eats. (infants are fed on demand.)

when your child starts eating solid foods:

  • you are responsible for what, when, and where your child eats.
  • your child is responsible for how much and even whether he or she eats.

young children are good at listening to their bodies. they eat when they're hungry. they stop when they're full. when we try to control how much children eat, we interfere with this natural ability. keeping this division of responsibility helps your child stay in touch with those internal cues.

credits

current as of: october 24, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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