The Ice-Cream Tub Strategy

Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image.

Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey.

In this episode, I discuss my ice cream tub strategy and how I use it to help my kids build a neutral, trusting relationship with food.

What the strategy is (kids decide when/how much to eat)Why I use it (reduce obsession, build self-trust, support intuitive eating)When to start (based on understanding, not age)How often to offer a new tub (consistency first, flexibility later)

My role as the parent:

I decide what/when food is offeredMy child decides whether/how much to eatI model neutrality (no judgment, no praise, no concern)

Quick FAQ's

How long should it last? → Up to the childHow long until it “works”? → Think long-term (weeks–months+)Other sweets? → Same approach appliesEating ice cream elsewhere? → Separate from their tub

ADHD and neurodivergent kids

It can still work with more supportAdd structure (without removing autonomy)Use visual cues + clearer boundariesProgress may take longer—and that’s okay

Key Takeaways

Focus on trust over controlStay neutral in your responseThink long-term, not quick fixes