Guide to PKU - Mead Johnson Nutrition

know there are foods he can andcannot have, and you should startteaching him about his diet. Butrealize that a 3 year old does notunderstand why some foods arenot good for him (especially whenhe sees other people eating them),and he cannot be expected on hisown to refrain from eating them.Many families establish an “askbefore you eat” rule. Develop anapproach to understanding “yes”or “no” but not “maybe.”Preschoolers: Ages 3 to 5 YearsYour 3 or 4 year old isobviously no longer a baby. Hemay ride a tricycle and wash hishands unassisted. Tantrums andstubborn behavior can continuethrough 3 and 4 years of agebecause these children often wantto do more than they are capableof doing and become frustrated.This frustration (not their PKU)may lead to whining and crying.Throughout the preschoolyears, your child will graduallybecome better able to understandsome things about his diet. Try toanswer as many of his questions asyou can, even if it seems like youare answering the same questionsover and over. It is very importantthat you are consistent. Generally,your child will be happiest with aschedule. Promote formula firstand consistency in foods andportion size. Remember, that asyour child grows, he will havemore and more opportunities tomake inappropriate food choices.Good eating patterns should befirmly established before opportunitiesto make inappropriate foodchoices present themselves.At age 3, your child can beginto learn about PKU as well as hisspecial diet, and he should understandthe idea of “yes” foods and“no” foods. Reading books togetherfor children with PKU can helpyou begin to teach your child aboutwhy he must follow a special diet.(See bibliography for resources.)As your child is able, you maywant to allow him to choose someof his foods and help with theirpreparation. Five and 6 year oldswill have a general idea of what isallowed on their diet but probablywon’t be able to decide if foodsthat are new to them are allowed.By 5 or 6 years, your child will bemore cooperative about his diet,particularly if he has learned thatyou won’t bend the rules.Grade School: Ages 6 to 12 YearsBy grade school, your child willbe mastering skills that she begandeveloping at earlier ages. Shewill need less help taking care ofherself and gradually will becomeindependent in eating, dressing,and bathing. Your child may like13