For a parent or guardian: the tool does not diagnose or transmit answers. You can print a private summary after completing it.

1. Child's age

0–3 years 4–7 years 8–12 years 13–17 years

2. What concerns you most? Select all that apply

Very few accepted foods Strong fear or tension at meals Skipping meals or low appetite Frequent eating without a sense of fullness Concerns about weight, growth or results Family conflict around food

3. How long has the difficulty been present?

Less than one month 1–3 months More than 3 months Hard to tell

4. What are energy and daily functioning like?

No clear change Lower energy or concentration Rapid deterioration or worrying symptoms

5. What are meals usually like?

Calm, but with a limited range Negotiation or pressure Crying, fear or avoidance Very different each day

7. Where do you live?

Ireland United Kingdom Poland Another country

8. What is the most important goal now?

When to start with a doctor

Contact a GP or paediatrician promptly if there are swallowing difficulties, persistent pain, prolonged marked restriction of food, a clear loss of energy, or concerns about weight or growth.

For fainting with ongoing symptoms, severe dehydration, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or immediate danger, use local emergency care.

How to use the notes

The compass is only for organising observations. It does not assign points, grade risk or suggest a diagnosis. Selective eating can be part of development, but persistent difficulties, declining daily functioning or concerns about growth need individual assessment.

Discussing a child's nutrition

A consultation for a child is arranged by a parent or legal guardian. Do not send results or records in the website enquiry.

Ask about a consultation

Child eating compass

Notes for a conversation

When to start with a doctor

How to use the notes

Discussing a child's nutrition