When Should You Consider Pediatric/Child Nutritional Counseling for Your Child?

Good nutrition is the foundation of your child’s growth, development, and overall health. But as a parent, navigating your child’s nutritional needs can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when challenges like picky eating, food allergies, or weight concerns arise. That’s where pediatric nutritional counseling can help.

Father and daughter cook in the kitchen. They cut vegetables with a knife, smiling near stove and bowl of ingredients.

Nutritional counseling provides personalized guidance to address your child’s unique dietary needs and help your family build healthy eating habits. At Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE, Dr. Kerry Kirifides and Dr. Sonia Shastry support your child’s nutrition and overall well-being.


What Is Pediatric Nutritional Counseling?

Pediatric nutrition counseling is a personalized process for maximizing your child's diet and health. It involves meeting with our healthcare professionals to determine specific problems, establish achievable goals, and create a workable plan that suits your family. From the toddler just starting solid foods to the teenager with fluctuating dietary needs, nutrition counseling provides valuable information throughout life.


When Should You Consider Nutritional Counseling?

Every child’s nutritional needs are different, but some situations may require extra support:

  • Picky Eating: If your child's limited food choices affect their growth or make mealtimes stressful, counseling can provide strategies to encourage a more balanced diet.
  • Food Allergies & Intolerances: Finding safe, nutritious alternatives helps ensure your child maintains a well-rounded diet despite dietary restrictions.
  • Weight Concerns: Whether your child is underweight, overweight, or experiencing rapid changes, counseling supports a healthy relationship with food while meeting nutritional needs.
  • Digestive Issues: Frequent stomachaches, constipation, or other digestive problems may be linked to diet. Nutritional counseling helps pinpoint potential triggers and suggests dietary adjustments.
  • Sports Nutrition: Active children and teens need proper nutrition to maintain energy, optimize performance, and support recovery. Counseling ensures they’re fueling their bodies appropriately.
  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, and metabolic disorders require specialized diets. Nutritional counseling provides tools to help manage these conditions effectively.


How Nutritional Counseling Can Help

Pediatric nutritional guidance is more than an explanation of what to eat—it's empowering parents and families with the information to make wise nutrition decisions. This is what you can anticipate:

  • Individualized Plans: Every child differs, so counseling is applied to create a personalized plan for their nutrition needs.
  • Practical Solutions: From meal planning to snack recommendations, you’ll receive actionable tips to help your child eat healthily.
  • Ongoing Support: Nutritional counseling provides a space to ask questions, address concerns, and gain confidence in managing your child’s nutrition.


We’re Here to Help

At Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE, Dr. Kerry Kirifides and Dr. Sonia Shastry are committed to helping your child develop healthy eating habits. Pediatric nutritional counseling offers the support and guidance needed to navigate dietary challenges and promote lifelong wellness.


If you’d like to learn more about pediatric nutritional counseling or schedule an appointment, call Just Kids Pediatrics at (302) 918-6400. We’re here to support your family’s health every step of the way.

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