Toddler Table Manners
Mealtimes should be a pleasure, both with good food and good company. Teaching children nice table manners, will make family mealtimes and eating out much more enjoyable. But with a toddler its not always easy......
- When babies are weaning they want to explore their food with their hands, to find out about its texture and consistency. As they become a toddler get them their own knife, fork and spoon. Show them what to do by eating meals together, so they can follow your lead.
- An high chair or booster with a strap will keep tots at the table, but when they progress to a normal chair they are not restrained. This can lead to them getting up from the table. Encourage them to stay at the table until you say they can leave. Praise them when they do, calmly bring them back when they don't.
- Remind them about not talking with their mouth full.
- Make mealtimes family time, a nice chance to catch up on everyone's news. If toddlers enjoy mealtimes they are more likely to sit happily.
- Stay calm, it's not always easy, at times it probably seems like an impossible task. But if you persevere it will be worth it.
- Cook the same meals for all the family. Toddlers like to imitate your behaviour and that includes eating. Giving them the same food as you will make them feel grown up, which may make them behave better.
- You may want to introduce a reward chart, where they get a sticker for good behaviour at the table. A set number of stickers earns them a treat.
