Summary The present paper describes the successful implementation of a training programme for the parents of a child with moderate learning difficulties presenting with chronic food refusal and provides an example of how professionals can work with families to manage clinical problems in the home. The parents were taught to use the Premack principle to motivate their child in the consumption of previously refused foods. A multiple baseline design across three foods demonstrated the efficacy of the programme and the dietary changes were maintained at the 3‐month follow‐up.