Tips for your toddler joining the table
As a busy mom you might grab breakfast on the go or eat lunch in the car and think nothing of it. But as someone who’s new to eating, your toddler needs to practice her skills at the table.
When it comes to meal and snack times, remember the three S’s: safe, seated, and supervised. And it’s much safer than letting her walk around while eating.
Can’t get your little one to sit still long enough to eat? Try these tricks:
Set a good example
If your toddler sees her older brother walking around with a cookie, she’ll want to do the same. But if she sees everyone eating at the table, she’ll want to do it too. Try to sit down and eat meals as a family.
A place of her own
Your toddler will want to eat at the table if she looks forward to it. Set out her favorite plate, cup, and tableware. Make sure everyone else has a place setting as well, so she sees that she’s just like the big people.
Make it special
Every family has traditions, so why not start a new one for dinners? You could sing a silly song before every meal. Even if your toddler can’t participate, she’ll enjoy watching everyone else and being part of the tradition.
Regular meal times
Little ones like routine, so the more you can stick to one, the better. Try to have dinner around the same time each night. If you wait too long, it will be closer to her bedtime, when she’s likely to be not as cooperative.
Give it time
As she grows into an active toddler, she’ll have even more things to engage her interest. This may be frustrating as you try to focus her on things like eating. Everything will take a little longer. But be patient, because your little one has a whole world to discover.