Division of Responsibility

The Division of Responsibility is a guiding principle for nourishing children that clarifies who decides what, when, and where they eat, versus how much they eat. Parents or caregivers are responsible for offering healthy, consistent meals and creating a positive eating environment. The child is responsible for choosing whether to eat and how much. This approach encourages children to listen to their hunger and fullness cues, fostering self-regulation and a healthy relationship with food, while reducing pressure or control over their eating habits.