MEALTIMES

Parents often ask about mealtimes.

Try to have regular family meals without a screen.

Try to prepare food that everyone will enjoy, at least at the beginning to minimize conflict.

If possible, involve kids in meal planning and preparation.

If possible have fun setting at the table with music, crafts, special decorations.

Make family time a moment where family members come together to discuss their day. Ask open-ended questions - ‘what was a good thing that happened today’, or use a question box with kid-friendly questions to encourage and model conversation.

Save most adult conversation for later. Focus on being aware of each child’s developmental level, and keep the meal short to avoid restlesness. As they age and look forward to the meal, it can be longer, and the conversation more complex.

If you are eating alone with young kids, think of reading aloud to them or singing as a way of establishing a meal time.

Try to keep it light and, at least at the beginning more kid-friendly. You want to make it a relaxed place where all family members enjoy gathering to be together.