Meal times can be difficult when children do not want to eat. Typically a child will sit and behave when they
are hungry and like the food that you offer. Parents that I work with often feel helpless when it comes
to getting their child to eat. They want their child to eat a variety of foods and sit calmly during the
meal time.
Make sure the child is hungry
for the meal. The parent may need to remove snacks and juice
for 2 hours before meal (keep a schedule).
Provide 2 foods that you know your child likes and 1 food that you would like your child try.
During the mealtime, you (as the parent) are responsible for WHAT is offered during
the meal, WHEN you offer it, and WHERE the child must eat it. Parents often feel pressure when a child is not eating and we offer them anything, wherever, and whenever the child
may want. Just to get them to eat something. The parent is responsible for what, when,
and where. The child is responsible for eating.
Also, during the mealtime,
the child may demonstrate undesired behaviors. Follow the recommendations for setting limits, talking to your toddler, and water the roses
/ignore the weeds.
Model good eating habits by sitting down with
your child during the meal time. Eat a variety of foods and behave the way you want your child to behave.
