Paediatric dietitian in Kilsyth and online

I'm Jack, an Accredited Practising Dietitian. I work with children, teens and their families in Kilsyth and by telehealth across Australia. My care is collaborative: your child gets a real say in their goals, their plan and how we work together.

Your child has a say

Children have the right to be heard on decisions that affect them, in a way that suits their age and understanding [1]. In my sessions, that means I ask your child what matters to them. They can tell me which foods they like, what feels hard and what they want to change. They can also tell me what they don't want to work on yet.

I think this is an important skill to learn early. A child who practises saying what they need with a dietitian can use that skill with teachers, doctors and friends. It helps them advocate for themselves for the rest of their life.

Parents and children as a team

I don't take sides. My aim is to help you and your child talk about food as equals, where both of you feel listened to. When a child can explain what they need, and a parent can hear it, mealtimes often feel calmer and the relationship often grows stronger.

Your child is my client and the centre of our work. You, as their parent or carer, are the key to making it happen. You know your household best: everyone's needs, how much time and energy you have, and what your food budget can stretch to. So you have a say in every decision we make.

If it would help, I can also offer family sessions, or sessions with other family members. We'll talk first about how these would run and what they would cost, so there are no surprises.

What I won't do

• I won't pressure your child to eat. In one study, children who were pressured to eat a food ate less of it and made more negative comments about it [2].

• I won't trick your child into eating. If your child says no, I respect that, and we find another way forward together.

What a session looks like

• The first appointment is 60 minutes. We talk about what's going well, what feels hard, and what you and your child want from our time together. Your child can join in as much or as little as they like. They can draw, play, take breaks, chat about special interests, or step out.

• Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. I see families in person in Kilsyth on Saturdays and Sundays, and by telehealth from Wednesday to Sunday.

• The first appointment costs $180 and follow-ups cost $110.

Who I see

I see children and teens aged 4 to 18. Concerns about food can come up at any age, and families come to me for many reasons, including:

• eating difficulties, at any stage of childhood or the teen years

• a small range of accepted foods, or sensory sensitivities that make eating harder [3]

• food allergies or intolerances, especially when several foods are avoided [3]

• constipation or other bowel concerns [3,4]

• concerns about growth, low appetite or low iron and other nutrients [3]

• stress or conflict between parents and children around food and mealtimes [3]

• wanting to understand nutrition better

• making the food budget go further