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"Why Can't I Eat That? Helping Kids Obey Medical
Diets"
by Dr. John F. Taylor and Ms. R. Sharon Latta
"Why Can't I Eat That? Helping Kids Obey Medical
Diets" is a book that explores the psychological/emotional
aspects of having a child with dietary restrictions because of a
chronic medical condition, as well as practical behavioral and environmental
tools for helping the child and family follow prescribed guidelines.
Dr. Taylor is a family psychologist and has written
extensively on children and parenting and has worked with many children
with special dietary needs. Ms. Latta offers information from her
own personal experience of raising 4 children, each with dietary
restrictions. She understands firsthand the adjustments that are
necessary for the children, as well as those within the family system.
She often shares her expertise by consulting with professionals
and speaks at schools, mental health groups, and parent support
groups.
The bottom line of this book, in my opinion, is stated
in this sentence: "Your child must learn to be responsible for his/her
dietary choices" (p.95). However, getting to that point as your
child grows is easier said than done! This book does an excellent
job of exploring all types of "roads and potholes" that journey
may encounter. The point that is stressed throughout the book is
that working with dietary restrictions is not only the child's concern,
but a family issue. The child lives within a dynamic family situation
and environment, and personalities, as well as the specific medical
condition involved (and the cognitive/physical/emotional capabilities
of the child), are going to pose different challenges for the child,
the siblings, the parents, and others that come in contact with
the child.
The authors discuss parent/child/family issues from
an emotional level, as well as cognitive and behavioral perspectives.
Understanding and accepting that all three interact and impact each
other will assist families in their challenge of motivating their
child to cooperate with the special dietary needs.
The first two sections describe how it is necessary
for parents to understand their OWN hearts (emotions) and minds
after learning of their child's medical and dietary needs. They
are then more aware of how important it is to model EFFECTIVE ways
of working through "hurdles" that most likely will occur possibly
on a day-to-day basis as their child grows and shares in more responsibility
(if capable) for their diet and healthcare.
The last two sections discuss finding support inside
and outside the family and suggestions of what to do when the diet
routine is not followed, such as during holidays, hospitalizations,
or when a child protests having to be on a restricted diet. They
also discuss how siblings are affected by the diet and how they
can be of help.
Some of the suggestions and tools offered throughout
this book may not fit your personal family situation. However, I
am sure you will find many relevant suggestions "to open doors of
communication and cooperation within your family " (p.xxii). Communication
is IMPERATIVE on a one-to-one basis, as well as within family dynamics
and working with professionals.
One of the authors' goals is "that this guidebook
will become a family reference source, one to be employed often"
(p.xxii). As far as MY situation is concerned, they have accomplished
that goal!
Deb Lee Gould, Co-Editor July 1998 FOD Communication
Network
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