AuntyB: Every day follow your mealtime routine with your child. Here's a ten step plan:
To start the meal, your toddler needs to:
1. Come to the table when the food is ready.
2. Put on bib.
3. Wash hands.
4. Settle in chair and
5. Ask a blessing - folding hands. This is a great "be still" moment to transition to the new task of eating.
Then, with your company at the table, you
6. Name the foods to be eaten and point to each one. "Today you have pan-broiled salmon, cauliflower, mandarin oranges, banana slices and cheese nip crackers. Here is your milk to drink."
AuntieB's Mealtime tip: Make a Toddler Placemat
- Make a toddler-sized plastic placemat with the outline of a plate, glass and spoon on it. You can purchase a place mat at the discount store. Then trace around plate, glass and spoon with a permanent marker.
- Set the table every day with the same high-sided bowl or high-sided divided porcelain plate (which doesn't change the flavor of the food.) High sides allow the spoon to chase down a spoonful of food, scrape it up the side of the plate, and successfully get it onto the spoon - and then to the mouth! Without sides, food often gets pushed off the edge of the plate.
- Remind your toddler that the glass always goes back to its place. They may as well get etiquette and manners early on. Besides, children prefer routine!
7. Let your toddler use their fingers and encourage the use of a spoon for hot cereals and yogurt. Later, your little one may use a fork for fruit that may be speared.
8. When eating slows, ask: "Are you finished?" Very soon, your child will either push the food away or verbally tell you no.
9. Always encourage a drink of milk before leaving the table. That gets the last remnants of crumbs cleared from the mouth to avoid choking when napping.
To bring the mealtime to a pleasant end for you both:
10. Clear the table. Let your child have a short wait time in the chair while you do this. We all need to wait at mealtimes. And, this lets you have an orderly table and a neat conclusion to the meal for you and your child. Have your toddler wipe the table with a damp sponge or cloth. After lunch, it's time for immediate toileting and making ready for a nap.
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