Parenting Styles and Food Habits, Essay Example

Savannah versus World Cuisine

The provided case study perfectly suits the examples given by Ellyn Satter. Savannah indicates that she feels anxiety about the different types of food that she encounters recently. At one year old, she only recently transitioned from breastfeeding and might feel withdrawal anxiety concerning that dietary change, and the staple foods which she quickly accepted were quickly replaced again by complicated foods. Satter argues for such variety. Although Savannah’s parents rightly worry about the foods in her diet, building her anxiety about foods she already enjoys might exacerbate the situation. Vitamin supplements may be provided along with greater daily portions of milk and fruits. While children commonly have an aversion to vegetables, easy-chew fruits typically provide many of the same nutrients in a more kid-friendly manner.

This choice to refuse food is being positively reinforced by Savannah’s parents, and, according to Ellyn Satter, the free choice to take or leave such foods fits into the child’s current age needs. She also recommends an early start for the following best dietary practice: “Parents do the what, when and where of feeding, children do the how much and whether of eating.” Thus, the focus of eating shifts to behaviors which will later support better dietary habits for Savannah. The ‘tough love’ of meal time also balances out with the structured snack times which Satter recommends. Deprivation will not happen, but neither will bargaining.

Since Savannah’s anxiety began with the introduction of familiar foods, two recommendations should be provided. First, her parents may introduce foreign or varied flavors into her diet without depending upon heavy spices. In a dietary sense, students do not receive benefits or typically enjoy the taste of spices and herbs. Second, her parents may introduce new foods more gradually and in ways which are familiar to Savannah. For example, substituting zucchini squash noodles for the more traditional spaghetti might reduce anxiety about vegetables and new foods.

Works Cited

Satter, Ellyn. “How to Feed Children.” Ellyn Satter Institute. Retrieved July 22, 2015 from <http://ellynsatterinstitute.org/htf/howtofeed.php>.