Parent-child workshops
N.B. Please note that any reference to “parent” refers to any adult attending with the child.
Junior Foodie Classes
Designed to foster happy, healthy relationships between kids and their food.
Whether you have a preschooler experiencing hesitancy around food, or a little foodie who's keen to learn more, these classes are perfect.
Killara classes back for term 3, 2020
Wednesdays at 10:30am commencing 22nd July
Book half or full term. Weekly payment option available
10% off early bird rate available until Sunday 5th July. Use code T3EARLY
What's involved?
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The program consists of weekly parent-child group classes during school term
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For children aged 3–6
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Designed & facilitated by university-qualified nutritionist, Kate Curtis, who has specialised training in helping fussy eaters and problem feeders
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Each session focuses on sparking curiosity and making food fun. This is achieved through a mix of sensory exploration, cooking and play in a relaxed and supportive environment
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Each week, we learn about and explore a different seasonal food, with a creative cooking session to finish the term
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Equipment and food provided
Note: Modifications and group size restrictions will be in place due to COVID-19. As a result there has been a modest fee increase to accommodate requirements.
The proposed exploration program (subject to change)
Week 1: Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Week 2: Apples
Week 3: Citrus fruits
Week 4: Beetroot
Week 5: Banana
Week 6: Broccoli and cauliflower
Week 7: Carrots and parsnips
Week 8: Leafy greens
Week 9: Beans and peas
Week 10: To be determined, but something extra fun!
Benefits:
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The workshops help children develop positive relationships with food – an essential for healthy eating.
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Early food experiences shape future food preferences and eating behaviours. By attending you help your child establish a preventive approach to good health.
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The program incorporates evidence-based strategies that help children gain interest in foods and encourage them to want to explore foods for themselves, taking the pressure off everyone.
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Children gain knowledge, life skills and a greater appreciation for food.
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Cooking with your kids at home is fun, right!? Well, not everybody agrees. The sessions save you the planning, set-up and cleaning associated with food-related activities in the home.
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Enrolled families are entitled to 10% off initial children's consultations (valid from enrolment until 31st December 2020).
For fussy eaters, personalised consultations can be helpful in combination with workshops to address specific concerns.
More locations and age groups are proposed as restrictions continue to ease. To lodge your preferences and stay updated, please register your interest below.
FAQs
What’s involved in the Junior Foodies Classes?
The workshops designed for 3–6 year olds and their accompanying parent are held weekly during the school term and run between 50 minutes and 1 hour. Each week, a new feature food is explored. Activities comprise, but are not limited to, a mix of sensory exploration (discovering the look, feel, smell, taste and sound), learning where it comes from, the different ways it can be enjoyed, creative play and age-appropriate cooking.
Each parent-child group is provided with their own food and equipment to work with. This might include a child-safe knife (e.g. Kiddies Food Kutter) or kitchen tools for parents to use for more complex tasks.
The venue opens to an outdoor area for children to expend some energy if activities wrap up before 11:30am.
Where is it located and what is parking like?
9B Arnold St, Killara. The blonde-coloured brick hall at the rear of the St Martin’s Church.
The venue is a 4 minute walk from Killara train station and there is ample parking on Springvale Rd (where rear-street access is available).
What type of foods are explored?
Most sessions feature a seasonal fruit or vegetable. Typically the food is plant-derived and not a common allergen. We use other foods alongside the feature food for purposes such as contrasting/comparing or cooking activities.
Discretionary foods (ultra-processed foods) are used sparingly where appropriate. For example when exploring potato, we may compare freshly cooked potato to potato crisps. Being able to explore the different ways foods can be prepared and eaten is important for developing food literacy and healthy attitudes towards all kinds of foods.
Additionally, strategic exposure to discretionary foods can help to normalise attitudes towards it and minimise the risk of children excessively seeking it out as they get older and have the ability to access it for themselves. In other words, restriction increases junk food’s appeal. We want to avoid that.
Just one study that discusses this: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ijpo.12071
Will these workshops solve my child’s fussy eating
Selective eating can vary from simple to complex. These workshops are designed to improve children’s comfort and familiarity around a variety of foods. Having peers around can be encouraging. For some children, the workshops alone might be enough. For others, private consultations may be a beneficial addition to assess concerns and together we can create custom strategies for moving forward.
Please note that some children require many exposures to a food before they are willing to taste it. Each interaction counts. Even just observing it.
Will you offer classes for younger and older children?
There has been plenty of interest in both and I’m listening! But first, I am waiting for restrictions to lift further and more venue options to become available.
If you’re interested, please let me know via the "Register your Interest" button above.
I’m not on the northern beaches or north shore, but I’m interested
Please get in touch and I will let you know if classes are planned to proceed in your area.
Can I bring my participating child’s younger sibling?
The venue allows a maximum of 15 attendees for term three based on room size and Covid-19 restrictions. Depending on enrolled numbers, it might be possible. Should restrictions ease further (which I cannot guarantee) and you are certain that you can adequately supervise and assist, then yes.
For additional children attending and participating with the one parent, a 30% discount applies to the second child. Please contact me to arrange.
What if I am unwell and I can’t attend?
Your enrolment holds your place for the term and unfortunately a refund can’t be issued. If however someone is able to take your spot for the day as a pre-registered casual attendee, then a refund will be possible.
Please do not attend if you’re experiencing any signs of illness.
Can I just come one time?
The purpose of these workshops is to help children develop good relationships with a variety of nutritious foods over time. One session really won’t have the desired impact. Enrolment is offered in half-term blocks, allowing for continuity yet some flexibility. It’s also helpful for children to have some consistency with familiar faces each week.
Casual spots might be available (charged at $50 per class). You’re welcome to contact Kate to enquire about availability.
What about other foods that aren’t fruits and vegetables – like meat?
I’d like to schedule some spin-off classes that cover foods like meat, dairy and grains - foods that don’t suit everyone.
How long should I attend these classes?
For as long as you like. Minimum enrolment period however is half a term.
Can I come for a trial?
Yes, but only if there is last-minute space. Please note that I don’t offer free trials and these are charged at a casual rate of $50. Pre-registration is required too.
Why are classes more expensive than a typical parent-child class?
On top of general overheads and venue hire, there is a good chunk of time spent behind the scenes such as prep, sourcing, cleaning to food standards and laundering. COVID-19 safety measures have also driven up costs.
Can you get my child eating more {insert specific food}?
Please be aware that these group-based classes are of general nature and are not designed to address individuals’ specific needs and preferences.
Additionally, liking a food can’t be forced and respecting a child’s readiness is really important. Pressure and healthy food relationships just don’t go together.
You are however likely to pick-up great strategies along the way that you can implement in the home.
Consultations are available separately too if you require assistance with your child or family’s individual needs.
My child has a food allergy/intolerance. Can they attend?
Common dietary requests can usually be accommodated. While all care is taken on my behalf, I cannot guarantee that the environment will be completely free from trace allergens or that food manufacturers have truthfully disclosed allergen or trace allergens on their packaging. If you have specific concerns or needs, please discuss them with me before enrolling.
Please be understanding that while I empathise greatly with allergy/intolerance sufferers, the purpose of the workshops are to increase variety in the diet and I may have to (regretfully) refuse enrolment if the risk is deemed too high or adversely affects other participants.
On this note, I’d love to introduce allergy and intolerance-friendly sessions in the future because I believe everyone deserves a safe environment to enjoy their food. Please contact me to let me know if you would like to see this happen.
My child has sensory sensitivities/SPD. Can they attend?
Yes. I am aware and sensitive to children with sensory needs. If you have any concerns, please raise them with me. I will do my best to make your child feel as comfortable as possible.
My child has a developmental delay, disability or behavioural concerns
Please enquire with me before booking so that appropriate recommendations or modifications can be made before enrolling.
If you have any questions that have not been answered here please get in touch.