The Heart of Munch.kin Dietetics
Play speaks in the language of children and meets them where they are at. I can enter their world without expecting them to behave in my adult world.
Plus, it makes for a really fun Feeding Therapy session.
1. Munch: Rediscovering Joy in Eating
While "dietetics" can sometimes feel clinical or high-pressure, munch brings the focus back to the sensory, playful act of eating. It suggests a low-pressure environment where children can explore textures and flavours at their own pace. It transforms the "work" of feeding therapy into a series of successful, manageable, and light-hearted moments.
2. Kin: Nourishing the Whole System
In paediatric therapy, the child is never an island. Kin represents the vital connection between the child and their support system. It signals that this practice isn't just about one person’s intake; it’s about supporting the family unit, reducing mealtime stress for parents, and fostering a sustainable, supportive "kinship" around the table.
3. Munchkin: Celebrating Childhood
As a colloquial term of endearment for little ones, Munchkin grounds the practice in a child-centred philosophy. It acknowledges the unique magic and whimsy of childhood and ensures that the therapeutic approach remains age-appropriate, compassionate, and inherently focused on the small humans at the centre of the care.
I absolutely love working with children and families. In fact, I have spent all my working life working with children in some capacity. I approach each feeding therapy session from a Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT) lens . RFT ensures a child is never pressured to eat, instead the aim for the child is to achieve a sense of ‘felt safety’ around food. RFT is a respectful way of approaching mealtimes with children and nurtures their innate intuition and attunement to their own bodies. If we can honour and nurture this instinct from an early age we are giving our children a truly invaluable gift for life. It also eases the pressure often felt by both parents and children around mealtimes and makes for an enjoyable experience for all involved.
I have trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and Ellyn Satter’s “Division of Responsibility”, however, when approaching fussy eating I like to utilise all the tools in my toolbox. One method does not suit all children, but rather a combination of approaches can be tailored to a child’s unique needs.
No matter who I am working with, whether it be kids or adults, I always apply a weight neutral approach to achieving health. This ensures my clients develop lasting, positive relationships with food. My holistic approach and warm manner ensure that kids and their families are supported in their healthy-eating journey. By solving nutritional problems early in life, I can help families create an environment where meals are shared together, and kids develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
If you think I can help you and your family, please get in touch – I’d love to hear from you
