Tools For Creating A Positive Mealtime Experience

Mealtime Routines

In order to decrease stress in your children before mealtimes, practice following a predictable routine. Having a set routine can allow children to know what to expect when it comes to dinner time. Begin first with having everyone wash their hands, then set the table, and create a ritual (light a candle, say a prayer) or use the same placemat for every meal. These routines can help with the flow and predictability of mealtimes and subconsciously signal the brain that it is "Time to eat!". At the end of the meal, always follow the same routine of cleaning the table, and washing your hands at the end.

Supportive Seating 

To encourage your child to put their entire energy on eating, we need to make sure that their body and posture is fully supported (it’s one last thing to worry about!). Make sure that your children have foot, leg, and back rests during mealtimes. Think of the 90-90-90 rule! 90 degree angle at your ankles, knees, and waist! This also helps to keep your child at the table for longer! We especially love the Trip Tapp Chair because not only does it help secure their feet, but it is adjustable and can grow with your child!

Serving Size

Keep the portions you are serving your child to a small size! It is better for your child to ask for more food, than to be overwhelmed by the amount of food on their plate! A great rule of thumb to stick to is one tablespoon per age! Offer a variety of colors on your child's plate to engage their sensory brain! Think of the colors of the rainbow!

Describe the Properties of the Food

Instead of focusing on if you like or do not like the food on your and your child’s plate, try describing the characteristics of the food and comparing the food to other foods that the child knows and likes. Think of the different smells, tastes, and textures! Descriptors like, “crunchy, long, yellow like the sun, looks like a tree!” Can make the experience with learning about a new food more fun! Always eat with your child--it provides an excellent model for positive eating habits.

PLAY! 

When trying new foods, it is an important part of the developmental process to learn about the food, how it moves, what it smells like, and what it looks like. Try experimenting and playing first. Pretend the noodle is a snake, or the carrot is a train whistle! Make it fun!

*Just because your child does not like a food one day, doesn't mean they will never like it. Continue to offer non-preferred foods--the more a child becomes familiar with a food, the more open they will become to learning about it, playing with it, and eventually trying it!