Nutrition
Child and family nutrition
Feeding a family while one member is ill — including children with chronic conditions and teenagers under strain.
FamilyCaregiver
Feeding children with a chronic illness
- Growth is the measure that matters — track weight and height on a chart with your clinic.
- Children need more energy per kilogram than adults; do not apply adult diets to them.
- Parents decide what is offered and when; the child decides how much. This division prevents years of mealtime conflict.
- Keep treatment and food separate where possible — do not use food as a reward for medication.
- Ask for a paediatric dietitian for any condition affecting growth, appetite or absorption.
Adolescents
- Growth spurts raise energy, protein, iron and calcium needs sharply.
- Autonomy matters — involve them in choosing and cooking rather than issuing rules.
- Watch for skipped meals, extreme diets and secretive eating, especially in diabetes.
- A teenager caring for an ill parent often eats worst of anyone in the house.
School and out of the house
- Give the school written information about allergies, diabetes or texture needs.
- Pack something the child will actually eat, with a protein element.
- Plan around treatment days — a lighter, familiar meal after clinic.
Family meals when someone is ill
- Cook one base meal and adapt portions rather than cooking separately for each person.
- Keep the ill person at the table even if they eat very little — company sustains appetite.
- Do not make everyone eat the therapeutic diet unless it happens to suit them.
- Protect one shared meal a week; it holds a family together more than most things.
Healthy snacks that suit everyone
- Yoghurt with fruit; cheese with crackers; boiled eggs.
- Peanut butter on toast or apple slices.
- Hummus or bean dip with vegetable sticks or bread.
- Milk-based drinks — easy to fortify for whoever needs it.
- Bananas, oranges and other portable fruit.
Where to go next
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.