Guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating. They may not always be as relaxing as you’d like though! Here are some family meal ideas with toddlers to keep dinnertime a drama-free zone.
- Have the whole family eat at a table, at the same times every day, as much as possible.
- Even if your baby has already eaten, sit him at the table, and if he’s showing signs of hunger, offer a selection of finger foods to choose from.
- Make sure your toddler is sitting up comfortably and is included in the meal.
- Toddlers are little copycats and you are their idol, so make sure they can see you clearly so you can show them how it’s done.
- Give them smaller portions of what you’re eating on unbreakable plates.
- Ignore silly behavior (throwing food around, shouting, banging on the table).
- Praise good behavior (eating, enjoying, trying to use spoon and fork).
- Talk to them about the meal, its taste, colors, smells, and textures.
- Don’t focus all your attention on them—it’s a family meal after all.
- Don’t worry if they don’t clear their plate.
- Do offer a variety of healthy foods, for baby and the whole family.
- Don’t offer alternatives if they refuse what’s on the table.
- Don’t have unhealthy snacks, sugary drinks or sweets on the table.
- Don’t switch on the TV or have phones or screens during mealtimes.
- If eating out, try avoiding peak times in case your mini-food critic acts up.
- Make sure the restaurant is child-friendly with highchairs, child-sized meals, and child-friendly plates and cutlery.
- If they have a tantrum in a restaurant or café try taking them outside or to a quiet corner for a moment. They could just be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy environment.
Related articles
Your Toddler’s hunger and fullness cues
Your Toddler wants to be heard. Expressing his desire to eat and having you respond is important to his social and emotional development.
2 mins to read
Allergic March In Children
The Allergy March: How Your Child's Symptoms Progress
2 mins to read
7 Tips For Avoiding Childhood Obesity
Protect Your Child From Obesity!
2 mins to read
Best Milk Options for Toddlers Health
How Can I Help My Child or Baby Gain Weight?
2 mins to read
Why Children Bite Their Nails And How To Stop Them?
Nail Biting In Kids: Causes And Remedies
3 mins to read
Child Protein Deficiency
Lack Of Protein: The Consequences
2 mins to read
How To Handle The Most Challenging Behaviors Of Autistic Children?
How Can I help My Child With Autism?
2 mins to read
Feeding Disorder Of Early Childhood
Feeding Problems And Feeding Disorders in Children
2 mins to read
Dealing With A Stubborn Child!
How To Discipline Stubborn Toddlers?
2 mins to read
Enhance Your Child’s Diet With These Metabolism-Boosting Foods!
Foods That Boost Your Tot's Metabolism Naturally
2 mins to read
Importance Of Snacking For Children
What Are The Benefits Of Children Eating Snacks?
2 mins to read
How to deal with your baby’s teething problems.
Try these simple tips to ease the discomfort related to teething. It helps you and your baby as well. Read on to learn more about teething problems.
1 min to read
Iron & Brain Development
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months. Consult your doctor for advice on when to introduce complementary foods to your baby.
1 min to read
Your toddler, the independent eater
By now your Toddler is really getting the hang of self-feeding.
1 min to read
Infant Teething Tips
Teething can be a distressing time for your baby and you too. We’ve put together an action plan of teething tips, so you can all get through it without gritting your teeth.
1 min to read
Toddler Birthday Party Tips
Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.
3 mins to read
As children begin eating from the family table, their diets begin to mirror diet patterns of older siblings and adults
As children become more independent eaters and are aware of what others are eating, be a good role model at the family table so your child can learn from you about healthy food choices and establis
1 min to read
Food Allergy In Babies And Children
Dealing With Food Allergies In Babies And Children
3 mins to read
