I'm wondering what others do at meal times for their toddlers. My 2 year old can't seem to sit still and eat. This doesn't surprise me at all - she's two! But, should I continue to put her in a highchair or booster to keep her with us for "family meals"? I worry for 2 reasons: 1. the importance of family meals 2. will she be too busy to eat enough?
As it is now she takes a bite, runs to a toy, runs back and gets another bite, etc. She's happy, she's smiling. We don't tell her "come eat!" she comes back on her own. At a friends house recently there was a "eating in the kitchen only" rule and Aellyn didn't even understand it! lol. That doesn't bother me as far as my kid being less "disciplined" than another since that is my intention! I know (? do you agree?) that I can't stop her energy and need for movement and I wouldn't want to because it is age appropriate. So I'm wondering if she's still at an age where a highchair is better or let her roam free?
oh, also, she doesn't hate the highchair so my question isn't about "forcing" her into a highchair. She'll happily sit in "her chair" if we ask her too.
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With one kid I could go either way with this, with 3, not so much. The mess and chaos is just too crazy, and when one gets down, the others soon follow and mealtimes take FOR EVER, like hours, literally. So, I generally have them sit in a high chair or booster. Almost always one that they can get in and out of themselves, but I do encourage them to stay seated unless they really need something. With one of my girls who is more squirrelly I sometimes use the seatbelt to keep her in, too! (she doesn't mind it at all and tends to buckle herself in for fun). I do think there is a time and place for grazing or allowing for more active mealtime, but I usually save that for lunch or snacks (outside, ideally!). For me, the mess that comes with three preschoolers/toddlers wandering while eating is just too much, otherwise!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that.
ReplyDeleteI also have" running eaters" lol I have a 2&4yr old and you can forget getting them to sit down and eat! The kids actually eat supper before we do right now because they go to bed early and that gives dh and I mom anf dad time. Mine will eat at the table with us if er have a family meal. Im a firm believer in letting them do what their first instinct is because I think kids,especially young ones are more tuned in to the natural order of things and how they would be if we hadn't screwed up the continuum with technology and" advancements" lol. I also like to think about the need that's the driving force behind the behavior. Developmentally she's at an age where she is rapidly learning new skills. Could it be that she is so excited to be eating that she's running around to celebrate? Or maybe its that she's already familiar with her toys so she likes to go back and forth between something she's not quite a" master" at and something that she is? Or maybe its just that she's a kid and she loves having fun and has energy to burn. Whatever it is I would say strive for balance. Take it day by day and give her the freedom to choose.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on whether it's bugging you and your significant other or not. Personally my daughter stays in her high chair (which she also doesn't mind) and will continue too until she's old enough to sit to eat, not because I'm concerned about her being disciplined but because, as unconcerned with mess as I generally am, the idea of hands getting covered in ketchup, then going on toys, then in the yogurt, then on the couch makes my little heart quake.
ReplyDeleteWe always allowed our daughter to choose for herself. SHe is now 3,5 and will sit down with us for most meals. EVe at christmas dinner she came to the table at every course (sneaking off once she was done to play quietly with her niece and nephew).
ReplyDeleteWe would either have a high chair or a chair with a pillow and she could choose from both, or choose not to eat, or just come snatch something and run off.
My son's a runner-around and grazer too. I put him in his booster at the beginning of every meal, and then whenever he wants to get down, we let him get down. He eats very little when he's actually at the table, but I figure it's good practice for social meals later.
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