Kia ora koutou,
After my recent post Keeping it real with meals I had questions about HOW to make meal times more positive.

So, here are my top tips.

*Involve your child in the preparation as much as possible.

*Give them choices (2 at a time), but choices of foods you want then to eat… sandwich or crackers? Apple or celery?

*Use “When ….. Then ….”
“When you eat your …… then you can have a biscuit/cake”

*This one may seem so simple, but it is so important and so effective…. eat together. At the table. It is so important to eat together. This is a time to role model table manners, talk about nurturing our bodies, talk about the good yummy food, talk about what you are grateful for. This is a time to connect. If you are not hungry, just make a small portion of what you are feeding your child.

*Eat the same food as your child. Give your child the same food as you are having… or they will want yours. Show them what you have given them is good enough for you too.

*Turn off all technology. No phone. No tv.

*Grow your own. There is nothing better than picking beans, tomatoes, silverbeet or strawberries straight from the plant!!

“Food should ALWAYS be a pleasure”
-Dr. Emmi Pikler

If you are arguing or getting enraged by the fact your child is not eating, take a step back and ask yourself why? What could you do differently here to encourage positive meals and food as a pleasure not a chore.

Remember, if you say something once, it is vital you follow through. When you don’t stick to what you say it blurs the boundaries and the child gets confused.. This is when you get children challenging you with difficult behaviours because they know they can push you but they aren’t sure how much… until you snap. Dont snap. Stick to your word. Do what you say you will do!! DWYSYWD! This is crucial in parenting and teaching. Stick to what you say.

For more, another perspective, check out
www.penniebrownlee.weebly.com
Article: food_should_always_be_a_pleasure