Ten Miracle Dining Tips for Toddler Twos!

Grandmama: Because AuntyB deals every day with her two year old charge in her own home, you may be sure that the advice she's giving isn't just from her education (though she is certified in more than one discipline for early childhood) or her experience in leading infant-toddler classes and designing those environments.

If you haven't tried these ten tips, you're in for a wonderful surprise.  Some of them take dedication on your part, but the results in your child's life is worth it.  These tips lead to lifetime skills, not just the convenience of the moment.

AuntyB's Ten Miracle Toddler Dining Tips:

1. Use heavy crockery white divided plate. It can be microwaved and doesn't alter the flavor of food, as does plastic. There is an added benefit of using a heavy divided plate with deep dividers: It is not easily moved accidentally on the table and spilled. If the dividers are deep, there is more success in both spooning and spearing food with a fork because there are sides to push against.
2. Cut down portion sizes to three level tablespoons for fruits and vegetables. That's it as a serving for a two year old. You'll be amazed when you look at a measured serving. This is in keeping with recognized standards.
3. Keep each food separate from the others. (Casseroles are for later on.) It is confusing to a toddler to mix flavors, for the most part and most will refuse presentation of mixed foods, for example, mixed vegetables.

1. Cube meat. It prevents choking hazard and enables the use of the fork for spearing. NOTE: Wieners, or hot dogs, are a choke hazard. Cut them long ways, then across to avoid round plugs that may block the airway!
2. Offer only 3-4 foods on a plate: a fruit, a vegetable and a meat or protein source.
3. Continue to allow the use of fingers for finger foods, while utensils are encouraged.
4. Sit down with the child to eat your meal: model manners; correct use of spoon and fork; use of the napkin; the use of please and thank you; chewing with the mouth closed; a quiet voice at the table; proper sitting posture.
5. Turn off cell phones, television and music to promote focusing on the meal. If the adult jumps up from the table, the child will follow. Both stay seated until the meal is complete. Try to anticipate all needs before sitting down.
6. In addition to spiritual growth, I believe that a routine blessing asked before the meal allows a quiet down moment and direction of attention to the meal. Then, a quiet pleasant mealtime, without any over stimulation, is the best routine for learning acceptable dining skills. Leave off conversation until the end of the meal.
7. Plenty of morning gross motor activity followed by twenty minutes of quiet time play indoors before lunch is a good precursor to a successful dining experience.