Hungry, Thirsty or Full?
Here's What To Do
Encourage your child to notice how their body feels when it is hungry, thirsty or full.
As a family, describe how your body feels as well to help your child understand their own body’s cues. Make up signals or watch videos of sign language, and practice using them.
During meals, consider starting by giving your child a little bit of each food. Then, add more of what they like or ask for, having them let you know whether they’re still hungry, thirsty or full. Use your made up signals to make it fun!
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Sit down at the table together and settle in to eat. Television and phone off? You’re ready to enjoy!
Engage:
- “Are you feeling hungry? You haven’t had anything to eat since lunchtime.”
- “When I’m thirsty, my throat feels ___. How does your body feel now?”
Encourage:
- Start to notice your child’s unique eating rhythm and cues for when they are hungry, thirsty or full. Ask them to notice how their body feels, and note how much food they’ve had and when.
- Try not to push your child to eat or drink more if they say they are not hungry or thirsty anymore.
Reflect:
- “How does your body feel when you are hungry?”
Not quite ready?
Involve your child in meal planning and preparation. They’re more likely to try new foods if they’re involved.
Ready for more?
Support your child’s autonomy, and ability to meet their needs when they feel hungry or thirsty by creating a simple snack station where they can help themselves. Have simple snacks like a banana, a small easy to pour bottle of water and a cup easily accessible for your child to help themself when they need.
As your child masters this skill...
They will express needs and satisfaction for food independently.