Feeding Children
The Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR)
Nutritionists, health, and mental health professionals have long depended on the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR) as an effective and practical way to help parents be successful with feeding and raise children who eat well.1-4 Although experience has shown that sDOR works, it is only we now that we can prove that it works.
Measuring the Child Feeding Relationship: The sDOR.2-6y™ Inventory
Adherence to the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR) for children ages 2 to 6 can now be measured using a validated assessment tool: the sDOR.2-6y™ Inventory.
This 16-item, copyrighted and validated survey is designed for caregivers of children aged 24 to 72 months. It measures how well adults follow sDOR principles by assessing two key components:
- Adult leadership with feeding (e.g. “My family has meals at about the same times every day.”)
- Child autonomy with eating (e.g. “I let my child eat until they stop and don’t want any more.”)
Rather than focusing on what or how much a child eats, the sDOR.2-6y™ Inventory evaluates the attitudes, behaviors, and adult-child feeding dynamics that shape the eating environment.
Importantly, research shows strong alignment between caregivers’ responses and their actual behaviors—validated through coded video observation.20
Get Training on Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding
Professionals can now deepen their expertise in child feeding and adult eating with tailored training on the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR). Choose from three levels of courses based on your knowledge and experience:
Introductory Level – Feeding Children: An Introduction to the Trust Approach
Perfect for those new to Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR), this course introduces the foundational principles of the trust approach in feeding. Learn to support caregivers in implementing practices that nurture positive eating behaviors. Ideal for child care providers, healthcare professionals, and educators.
Intermediate Level – Feeding Children: Success Is In The Details
This course is designed for practitioners who already educate and advise caregivers. Dive deeper into applying sDOR to address common feeding challenges, like picky eating and shared meal planning. Enhance your ability to assess and support caregiver adherence to Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR).
IMaster Level – Feeding with Love and Good Sense
For experienced professionals tackling established feeding problems, this advanced course offers an in-depth understanding of Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR) application in clinical settings. Learn to address complex issues, including growth concerns and feeding challenges, while guiding families toward improved well-being.
Permission to use sDOR.2-6y™ Inventory
You may request permission to use the sDOR2-6y Inventory™ in projects or activities involving clinical practice, research, or education.
Additional Professional Resources
For professionals seeking more in-depth guidance related to the implementation of the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding in specific practice settings.
Child Care
Schools
Community
Ellyn Satter’s Child Feeding Practice Recommendations for Communities
Clinical
Feeding to Prevent Child Weight Acceleration
Primary Intervention and Growth Divergence
Developmental Principles Guiding Feeding Practices
Developmental Guidelines for Feeding Infants and Young Children
Theoretical Underpinnings of the Trust vs Control Approach to Child Feeding
Eating Management for Children with Cystic Fibrosis (webpage)
Emerging Research
Under construction.
For more topic-specific practice information for professionals, please check out our large selection of Family Meals Focus newsletters.