You’re in the kitchen, ready to serve a meal. You call your little one to the table, but they resist. Getting them to sit down can turn into a big fight. Have you ever been there?
Mealtimes can be tough when kids don’t want to eat. But, there are ways to make it easier. Here are nine tips to help your child sit down at the table or in their highchair.
1. Create an Appropriate Mealtime and Snack Schedule
Setting a clear meal and snack schedule is key. Don’t let them snack all day. This can make them not hungry at mealtime.
Try to feed them every 2-3 hours. This way, they’ll be hungry when it’s time to eat.
2. Don’t Interrupt Enjoyable Activities
Imagine being pulled away from a favorite book or show. It’s frustrating. Kids feel the same way.
Finish their activity before mealtime. This shows you respect their focus and helps avoid tantrums.
3. Transition with a Neutral Task
Use a simple task to move from play to mealtime. For example, after play, suggest a quick task before eating.
Examples include:
- Changing their nappy or using the potty.
- Helping water the plants.
- Taking out the rubbish together.
These tasks help them focus and prepare for eating.
In Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating, a family doctor specializing in childhood feeding joins forces with a speech pathologist to help you support your child’s nutrition, healthy growth, and end meal-time anxiety (for your child and you) once and for all.
4. Offer a Pre-Meal Warning
Letting your child know about mealtime can help. Say something like, “We’ll eat in five minutes.”
Children like knowing what’s coming. This makes them more ready to eat.
5. Use a Mealtime Song or Signal
Play a special song or use a cue for mealtime. This can be a fun way to signal it’s time to eat.
For example, use a song like “It’s Time to Eat” or a short rhyme. Make it a regular part of your routine.
6. Ensure the Highchair is Comfortable
Reluctance to sit in a highchair might be due to discomfort. Make sure the highchair fits right and is comfortable.
Adding a cushion or footrest can help. A comfortable highchair makes mealtime better.
7. Serve the Food First
Timing is key when it’s time to eat. If the table is empty, kids might lose interest. Serve the food first, then call them over. This way, they’ll see the meal is ready and start eating right away.
Young kids get curious when they see food on the table. This can make them want to eat faster. It also makes mealtime more positive.
8. Include a Familiar or Safe Food
Always have food your child loves at the table. This “safe food” makes them feel secure. It helps them try new foods too.
For instance, add their favorite fruit or plain pasta to spaghetti and meatballs. Seeing something they like can make the meal feel safer.
9. Eat Together
Children like to imitate what they see. When you eat together, they’re more likely to do the same. Family meals make everyone feel closer and encourage good eating habits.
Try to eat with your child. Talk a little and show them how to enjoy a meal. When meals are shared, kids feel more connected and eager to join in.
Getting your child to the table can be easy. Use these tips to make mealtime better for everyone.
Every child is unique, so it might take some time to find what works. Be consistent and patient. These tips can help make mealtime a positive experience and encourage healthy eating.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at mealtime? Share your stories or tips in the comments. I’d love to hear them!
