Some toddlers make mealtime seem more like a chore than anything else. They get cranky when hungry, refuse to sit still while eating, insist on playing with the food, and generally make mealtime difficult. Children want to eat when they want to eat and not just because their parents decide it is mealtime. That sets up a scenario for confrontation because the child prefers to continue doing activities that seem more entertaining, like playing with toys. Therefore, it makes sense that one of the ways to deal with the mealtime struggle is to turn eating a meal into a fun activity.
One of the easiest ways to turn a meal into an adventure is to serve food on interesting plates. A ceramic toddler plate or bowl painted with bright colors, graphics, and pictures can be turned into a game. For example, a plate with a picture of an airplane or sports paraphernalia becomes a source of fun in several ways.
* As each bite uncovers a section of the picture, talk about guessing what is coming next
* Point out a plate graphic while eating and ask questions that keep the child occupied
* When using personalized plates, teach the alphabet by using the letters in the toddler’s name
* Make up a different story based on the plate’s theme, whether it is animals, food, sports or Noah’s Ark
* Turn food into shapes like triangles or hearts or a shape that can be matched to shapes in the plate
* Make up a story using pictures on the plate or items in the kitchen, which expands the child’s vocabulary
Special Mealtime Space and Time
Mealtime does not always have to be a struggle. Besides using a dedicated mealtime plate, there are other ways to keep infants and toddlers happy. A dedicated chair that belongs only to the child can make mealtime seem special. For example, a colorful themed high chair or a toddler wood chair and baby table set can be treated as special places where fun meals are served.
Another idea that has worked for mothers and dads struggling to feed young children is playing music before and during the meal. An older infant and toddler will quickly learn that, when baby music on a particular CD starts playing, it is time to enjoy eating with the family.
Flying Forks and Spoons
Of course, if all else fails, do not forget the standard trick of turning a personalized fork and spoon into an airplane carrying food! Mealtime should not be a chore, but infants and toddlers are not always cooperative. They are not intentionally being difficult most of the time. It is simply that their attention is going to be focused on what they think is fun at the moment. If mealtime is not seen as entertaining, then there may be some resistance.
Parents can easily turn mealtime into a fun experience by using time-tested practices and buying kid friendly plates and utensils. Anyone looking for the ideal gift to give new parents should consider personalized baby plates. Chances are you will get a phone call from mom in the future thanking you yet again for understanding mealtime so well.
