This is an evidence-based story-led sensory food exploration programme for families with children that have limited diets (eat less than 10 different foods, don't eat from all the food groups, have low appetite, anxious/emotional/over-eating or restricted eating behaviours.
This community and schools programme supports children and families to develop a healthy relationship with food. The 8 week programme delivers 8 x 45 minute sessions that engage children in exploring new foods at the same time as providing parents with a safe space to discuss concerns they might have about their child's eating. Parents/carers are provided with support and advice during the sessions and provided with resources to take home too.
Each family also receives a FREE 'How to feed a Dragon' cooking kit to encourage their child to become involved in preparing foods at home.
There will be 2 new programmes running at Family Hubs in Staffordshire in the new year;
- East Staffordshire Children's Centre (Tuesdays 1.30-2.15pm starting 14th January 2025)
- Cannock Family Hub (Thursdays 10.15-11am, starting 16th January 2025)
The programme trialled at East Staffordshire Children's Centre found that the families that participated noticed their child trying more new foods, becoming more involved at mealtimes, refusing less meals at home and parents felt more confident in managing fussy eating behaviours at home too.
Families of children between 2-6yrs with a limited diet or moderate concerns about their child's eating behaviour/fussy eating/restricted diet (limited diet - eats less than 10 different foods, doesn't eat all of the food groups).
Families of overweight/obese children aged 2-6yrs, families of children with sensory sensitivities impacting eating such as autism/ADHD, families with a history of disordered eating.