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 teaches children and families how to use their senses to decide on their food preference and listen to their bodies for body signals of hunger and fullness. 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 3 programmes running at Family Hubs across Staffordshire over the next 6 months;
- East Staffordshire Children's Centre (Tuesdays 1.30-2.15pm starting 24th September)
- Lichfield Family Hub (Mondays 4.00-4.45pm starting 23rd September)
- Cannock Family Hub (Thursdays 10.15-11am, starting Jan 25)
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 2-7yrs 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 2-7yrs