Making Mealtimes Manageable: Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

by The Triple P Team

Making Mealtimes Manageable: Tips for Parents of Preschoolers
Mealtime can be a hectic and stressful time for many families, especially when young children are involved. From picky eating to tantrums, there are a variety of challenges that can arise during meals. However, with some planning and patience, you can help make mealtimes more manageable and enjoyable for the whole family. Here are some tips to help you navigate mealtime problems with your preschooler:
Establish a Mealtime Routine
Setting up a daily mealtime routine can help create structure and predictability for your child. Aim to serve three main meals and a morning and afternoon snack at regular times each day. This can help prevent unnecessary snacking and ensure that your child is hungry and ready to eat during meal times.
Prepare Your Child Ahead of Time
Let your child know when the meal is almost ready so they can finish up what they are doing. Giving them a heads-up can help transition them from playtime to mealtime more smoothly.
Explain the Rules
Discuss and establish simple rules for mealtimes with your child. For example, “Sit at the table until you are excused”, or “Finish your mouthful of food before you speak.” Reinforce these rules calmly and consistently.
Use Rewards and Consequences
Consider using rewards for good behavior during meals, such as a special activity after the meal. Conversely, have consequences in place for misbehavior, like a short period of quiet time or time-out.
Seat Your Child at the Table
When the meal is ready, seat your child at the table and remove any distractions, such as toys or electronic devices. Encourage desirable behavior, like using utensils and chewing with their mouth closed, by praising them when they do so.
Use Planned Ignoring for Minor Problems
For minor issues like whining or playing with food, use planned ignoring. Continue your meal and do not engage with your child until the behavior stops.

Act Immediately for Misbehavior
For more serious misbehavior like getting up from the table or throwing food, address it immediately and calmly. Use quiet time or time-out as a consequence, and return your child to the table once they have calmed down.
End the Meal Positively
Once the meal is over, review your child’s behavior and praise them for following the rules. If there were any issues, discuss them calmly and set a goal for improvement next time. By implementing these tips, you can help make mealtimes more manageable and enjoyable for your preschooler. Remember, consistency and patience are key, and over time, your child will learn to develop good eating habits and behavior during meals.

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