Do you feel overwhelmed with mealtime? Mealtime doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here are some tips to assist you in creating a positive mealtime experience for your child.
1. Eat Meals at the Table in an Appropriate Seat
If possible, seat your child at the table with the whole family. Place them in a chair that allows a 90-degree angle at the hips, knees, and ankles.
2. Present Non-Preferred Food With Foods Your Child Will Eat
It is important to provide the child with at least one food that they will eat while also exposing them to new foods. If a child is presented with a plate of food that they do not like or food they have never been exposed to, they may not eat any of it. We want to set them up for success!
3. Maintain a Trustworthy Relationship
Do not force your child to eat new foods or finish all of the food on their plate. When pressure is put on a child to try new foods, aversions can arise. We want positive experiences at the table!
4. Have an “All Done” Bowl
Have a bowl or a plate that is for foods that the child is finished with. This is a great way to prevent a child from throwing food. If the child does not want the food, they can put it in the “all done” bowl. Even if the child did not try the food, they were still exposed to it and even touched it when they put it in the bowl!
5. Turn Off External Stimuli
While at the table, we want outside distractions limited as much as possible in order to focus on the meal. This might mean turning off the television or putting an iPad away.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center Guides Parents Through Early Childhood
We know mealtimes don’t always go as planned. Knowing the signs of what might be reasons to reach out for help is an important part of your child’s journey. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center is here to help guide you and your child to have a positive mealtime experience! If you have questions or concerns about your child’s eating habits, reach out to ask about how we can help!
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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