Pediatric Behavioral Nutrition focuses on how eating behaviours, psychological factors, family dynamics, and environmental influences shape a child’s nutritional choices and long-term health. This session examines the relationship between behaviour and nutrition, exploring strategies that support healthy eating habits, prevent disordered eating, and address barriers to dietary change. Clinicians frequently attend a dedicated Pediatrics Conference to integrate nutritional science with behavioural approaches that promote sustainable lifestyle improvements.

Participants will explore how temperament, appetite regulation, parental modelling, emotional cues, sleep patterns, stress, and cultural feeding practices influence dietary behaviours. The session emphasises the design of pediatric behavioral nutrition pathways that combine assessment tools, motivational interviewing, nutrition counselling, behavioural strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Case examples demonstrate approaches to picky eating, food refusal, emotional eating, excessive snacking, meal-time conflict, and early signs of disordered eating. Attendees will explore strategies for portion guidance, reducing sugary beverages, encouraging fruit and vegetable intake, improving sleep routines, and supporting physical activity.

The session also examines how socioeconomic factors, food insecurity, marketing exposure, screen time, and school environments impact dietary patterns. Participants will reflect on culturally sensitive counselling, avoiding weight stigma, and building confidence in families navigating nutrition challenges.

By integrating psychology, nutrition, public health, and real-world family dynamics, this session equips clinicians to guide families toward healthier, more mindful eating habits.