Childhood Mealtime Experiences and Early Childcare and Education Staff Classroom Feeding Practices – Model Survey (CME-ECE-CFP-M)

As a child, adults gave me food when they were happy with me

As a child, adults picked on me about my eating

As a child, I ate more than adults thought I should

As a child, I thought about or tried dieting

As a child, I was allowed to choose which foods I ate at meals

As a child, I was required to eat all the food on my plate

As a child, I was allowed to decide how much I ate at meals

I wait to serve them sweet foods if they do not eat something from their plate.

I serve sweet food after they eat the rest of the food on their plates.

I eat the same food as children at mealtime.

I sit with the children at mealtime.

Both children and staff pass the food.

I don't let them have seconds of other foods until they try the new food.

The children have to take at least one bite.

I have the children eat one bite of each food.

I ask the children if their stomachs are full.

If children do not want to stop eating, I ask if their tummy is full.

If picky children don't want to eat, I ask if their tummy is full.

I have the children try the food before they can have sweet foods.

I have the children finish their meal before eating sweet foods.

I tell the children if they have not eaten enough.

If picky children don't want to eat, I suggest that they start eating what is on their plate.

If picky children don't want to eat, I let them know they don't have to eat.

To help children eat, I suggest that they need to eat more.

I say something like 'Pat is eating green beans. Why don't you eat some?'

I point out other children who are eating more.

Having the new food on the table at mealtime and letting children decide when to try it

Having a 'one bite' rule

Keeping them from having sweet foods until they try the new food

Not having seconds of other foods unless they try the new food

Teaching children about new foods before offering the foods at mealtime

Trying the new food with them

Children are more likely to try a new food after they see me eat it

Suggesting they try a bite

Adults know better than children how much children need to eat

If children put food on their plates, they should eat it

When a child is feeling sad, it's okay to offer a cracker to help the child feel better