Feeding dynamics: helping children to eat well.

Pediatric nurse practitioners are in a key position to help parents learn to effectively feed their children. Classic research studies, current research and clinical observations on feeding have identified children's capabilities, behaviors, and potential competencies with their eating. An appropriate feeding relationship supports children's developmental tasks at every age and allows them to eat the right amount of the proper food to achieve their genetically determined growth endowment. Children must, in turn, attain developmental tasks. In defining and managing feeding problems, the pediatric nurse practitioner may emphasize prevention by building positive feeding interactions, and promoting early detection and management as well as providing treatment for established problems.