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<p><span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;">At Table Talk, we're passionate about transforming mealtimes into a stress-free, enjoyable experience for Kiwi families. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;">Our approach revolves around empowering children to make their own food choices, inspired by the principles of responsive feeding. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: inherit;">This method is about creating a safe, supportive environment where tamariki can explore different kai at their own pace, as illustrated in the informative infographic from the Chicago Feeding Group. I highly recommend checking this out <a data-mce-href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://chicagofeedinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Responsive-Feeding-Young-Children%25E2%2580%2594Chicago-Feeding-Group.pdf&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjClufh-u6GAxX_lFYBHdgVA0MQFnoECBQQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mnv28V1hA1OGwMswVP0D2" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://chicagofeedinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Responsive-Feeding-Young-Children%25E2%2580%2594Chicago-Feeding-Group.pdf&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjClufh-u6GAxX_lFYBHdgVA0MQFnoECBQQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mnv28V1hA1OGwMswVP0D2" title="Infographic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;</span><br></p><figure id="figure-un3d51mvblxpybmg8" data-full-width=""><img id="un3d51mvblxpybmg8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/293UIFDC3HqyiVmsj0qVG0dtRDWdvHqcnpKUXbLj5K2SCyBHE4VVuxrBtCZ2OICV.jpg" alt="Responsive feeding infographic" title="Responsive feeding infographic" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/293UIFDC3HqyiVmsj0qVG0dtRDWdvHqcnpKUXbLj5K2SCyBHE4VVuxrBtCZ2OICV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 0%;"></figure><p>Imagine mealtimes where your child decides what to eat and how much, guided gently by your support. We encourage parents to observe and respond to their child's cues – whether it's excitement about a new food or signals that they've had enough.</p><h2>Why do we advocate for this approach?</h2><p>Because it fosters trust between whānau and children, promotes healthier eating habits, and reduces mealtime battles. It's not just about what's on the plate but the positive interactions and conversations shared around the table.</p><p>**Table Talk Feeding Therapy**</p><p>*Hamilton Feeding Therapy*</p><p>*Picky eaters*</p><p>*Paediatric feeding disorders*</p>

Transforming Mealtimes: The Table Talk Approach

<h2>Why "Finish Your Soup" Might Not Be the Best Advice for Kids</h2><h3>Picture this:</h3><p>You're at the dinner table with your preschooler, and you've made a lovely, nutritious soup. You ladle it into their bowl and, with a hopeful smile, you say, "Finish your soup!" </p><p>Sounds familiar, right? </p><p>Well, hold on to your soup spoons because we’re about to dive into why this well-meaning advice might actually backfire.</p><figure id="figure-ekeiu0i89lxpxqhzj" data-full-width=""><img id="ekeiu0i89lxpxqhzj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ctjVS707lAQpJ8H3kluvTGm4vs3cq3gyuhJMUPmQnJMonF0qpm7CKCwFSOotz4H.png" alt="A drawing of a women tasting hot soup" title="A drawing of a women tasting hot soup" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 55% 20%;" data-corners="large" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="55%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ctjVS707lAQpJ8H3kluvTGm4vs3cq3gyuhJMUPmQnJMonF0qpm7CKCwFSOotz4H.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 55% 20%;"></figure><h3>The Study That Shook the Soup Bowl</h3><p>Researchers, led by Amy T. Galloway, decided to tackle this exact scenario. They gathered a group of preschool children (27 little soup critics aged 3-5 years) and set out to see what happens when kids are pressured to eat. </p><p>Over 11 weeks, these kids had a variety of soups served to them under two conditions: with pressure and without pressure. You can read the full study <a data-mce-href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666306000195" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666306000195" title="Finish your soup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p><h3>Soup Pressure vs. No Pressure</h3><p><strong>Pressure Condition: </strong>Imagine gentle reminders every few minutes: "Finish your soup." Sounds innocent enough, but for a preschooler, it can feel like an unwelcome chore.</p><p><strong>No Pressure Condition: </strong>This time, the kids could eat as much or as little as they liked, with no reminders or expectations. Just a calm, soup-filled environment.</p><h3>What Happened Next?</h3><p><strong>1. Soup Intake:</strong> The results were unmistakable! The kids ate significantly more when they weren't pressured. Over time, they even began to enjoy the soup more and more when left to their own devices. Imagine that - they actually wanted to eat their soup!</p><p><strong>2. Emotional Reactions: </strong>When pressured, the kids’ responses were decidedly negative. They made more comments like "I don't want to drink it" or "I hate it." On the flip side, no pressure meant fewer grumbles and a more pleasant dining experience for everyone involved.</p><p><strong>3. Parental Influence:</strong> Interestingly, kids who were used to being pressured at home were less affected by the lab pressure. But these same kids tended to have lower body mass index (BMI) scores, suggesting that parents might pressure them to eat because they're worried about their weight.</p><h3>The Takeaway (And It's Not Soup)</h3><p>So, what does this mean for our dinnertime routines? It turns out, pressuring kids to eat might actually lead to less eating and more mealtime battles. Creating a relaxed, pressure-free environment can encourage kids to enjoy their food and maybe even ask for seconds!</p><h3>Tips for a Happier Mealtime</h3><p><strong>Offer Variety: </strong>Give your child different options and let them choose. Kids are more likely to eat what they’ve picked out themselves.</p><p><strong>Be Patient: </strong>It might take a few tries for kids to like new foods. Keep offering them without pressure.</p><p><strong>Lead by Example:</strong> Show your kids how much you enjoy eating healthy foods. They often mimic what they see.</p><p><strong>Positive Environment:</strong> Make mealtimes enjoyable. Talk about your day, tell a story, and avoid turning the table into a battlefield.</p><h3><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h3><p>Next time you're tempted to say "Finish your soup," take a deep breath and let it go. Your child might surprise you by enjoying their meal more than ever. And who knows? They might just ask for another bowl!</p><p>Happy mealtime, everyone! 🥣</p><p><strong>If mealtime battles sound all too familiar,</strong> and you find yourself struggling to get your child to enjoy their food, consider reaching out to Table Talk for expert feeding therapy. </p><p>Our tailored strategies and compassionate approach can transform your child's eating habits and make mealtimes a joy. </p><p>Contact us today to learn how we can help your family achieve happier, healthier mealtime experiences.</p><p><em>Feeding therapy services are available in Hamilton, the wider Waikato region and via telehealth nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>