Other Toddler Lunchtime Behavior and One Caution

AuntyB: This lunch routine I use works, but so do others. The key to toddler lunchtime behavior is to keeping the same, same, same. And, an adult must be present sitting down with the child at mealtimes to insure safety, socialization, good table manners and increasing dining skills.

Caution: Some actions lead to very poor eating and dining skills. Never feed your child from a baby food jar as they run about the house. This forms "grazing" habits as one bite is taken with the child off to ramble around before coming back to graze again.

You see, great meals, whether with adults or children or both together, have a beginning and an end with lots of positive interaction between the diners.

Dining with a child requires ahead of time meal planning, quick preparation and allowing the required time to savor the taste and texture of the foods presented. Yes, it does take a bit of time, but eating does anyway. The tradition of pleasurable experience established (with lots of wonderful memories for you, too) is a lifetime treasure.

For dining together to be this real pleasure, it must never be forced upon a child. If your dining experiences haven't been what you want, start now. In a relatively short while, the changes will settle in for all making you wonder why you thought it so hard.

AuntyB gets to enjoy lunch with her two-year-old great niece five days a week.

Comments

[Grandmama]

Kay:
You're getting the truth of what AuntyB is saying. Children (and adults too for that matter) are creatures of habit.

Providing that stable framework allows for good behavior habits and the delightful anticipation of momentarily delayed gratification.

If your son has an integral part in that routine, say setting and clearing his part of the table, he will take ownership of it even more quickly.

As a working mom, you are doing the right thing by getting as much help as possible. I know you'd love to have the opportunity to spend several hours in meal preparation. But, the important factor is nutritious meals served within a routine, in a timely fashion.

Parenting is a bit trial and error, as I learned with my three daughters. Each is so unique with different innate needs and impulses. However, seeking to support them in their own endeavors has been the delight of my life.

Keep on living each special day with your family. It's like another pearl strung on the necklace of your life, each one becoming even more precious as time goes by.

[Kay]

A quick note: Quick preparation may not matter as much as routine!

We have been using Schawns for 6 weeks now, so every meal takes the same about of time. (Stick in the oven, walk away and eat 45 minutes later.)

At first it was confusing, but now the two year old knows what to expect. He even watches to see if it is one of his favorites going into the oven. He has Pizza timed down to the second. Just a quick thought!