Is learned when:
- People experience food insecurity (Physical Neglect or not knowing where your next meal is coming from or even early in utero umbilical or other problems that left a developing child hungry in the womb). - People feel empty, alone, unloved, unlovable, unwanted, or rejected. (Emotional Neglect, being “othered” or part of a marginalized group).
The drive behind the behavior:
Empty, alone and unlovable/unwanted/rejected.
Steps to take to meet those needs:
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Discuss favorite foods.
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Plan menus.
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Have caregiver or safe positive adult do steps 1 & 2 and go shopping for the food with person.
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Make placemats.
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Identify what they would like to talk about over dinner.
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Prepare & enjoy a meal together.
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Plan ways to have weekly if not daily meals with positive people (Resilience factors 1 & 2).
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Plan birthday parties or other celebrations.