In addition to the information that is already known, I would collect the following additional assessment information:
- Ricky’s height and weight, to assess his growth and development.
- Ricky’s dietary intake, to see what foods he is actually eating and how much he is eating.
- Ricky’s temperament, to see if he is a generally fussy or anxious child.
- Ricky’s family history, to see if there is any history of food allergies or sensitivities.
- Ricky’s environment, to see if there are any environmental factors that could be contributing to his food refusal, such as noise or distractions at mealtimes.
Questions to Ask
I would ask Ricky’s mother the following questions to further explore this issue:
- What foods does Ricky like to eat?
- What foods does Ricky refuse to eat?
- What does Ricky do when he is presented with food that he refuses to eat?
- How does Ricky’s behavior change when he is hungry?
- What are the mealtime routines in your home?
- How do you feel about Ricky’s food refusal?
I would also ask Ricky’s mother to describe Ricky’s temperament and his overall development. I would want to know if he is a generally fussy or anxious child, and if he has any other areas of development that are of concern.
How to Further Explore the Issue with the Mother
I would use a non-judgmental and supportive approach when talking to Ricky’s mother. I would want to understand her concerns and her perspective on the issue. I would also want to help her to identify any potential triggers for Ricky’s food refusal.
I would explore the following topics with Ricky’s mother:
- Her own experiences with food as a child.
- Her feelings about feeding Ricky.
- Her expectations for Ricky’s eating behavior.
- Her strategies for dealing with Ricky’s food refusal.
I would also provide Ricky’s mother with some resources on food refusal, such as books, websites, or support groups. I would encourage her to talk to her pediatrician about Ricky’s food refusal, and I would offer to follow up with her after she has had a chance to talk to her pediatrician.
Conclusion
Ricky’s food refusal is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, by gathering additional assessment information and talking to Ricky’s mother, I can gain a better understanding of the issue and develop a plan to help Ricky. I would use a non-judgmental and supportive approach, and I would focus on helping Ricky’s mother to understand her own role in the issue and develop strategies to address it.
