Want to create mealtime harmony?
Kids Dig Food is all about creating positive family mealtimes. Often when clients first meet me, they are a bit surprised at what seems at the outset to be letting kids “do what they like” with food. I may seem like that, but it is often simply about adjusting expectations about what parents’ jobs are at mealtimes. Indeed, there is significant structure to how I help parents create the mealtime harmony they crave. It just may be a little different to what you expect.
The best part is, your kids will LOVE hearing you sprout these at the dinner table…
- There will always be something you usually like to eat
All children, particularly fussy/picky kids or kids who are simply more hesitant to try new things will be more relaxed around food if they have at least one usually liked/safe food available. Vary the safe food, and make it “fit” as best as possible with the meal e.g. plain rice with a stir fry, raw carrot sticks in the salad, plain sausages with the BBQ. Always serve at least one new/challenge food.
- You can eat as much or as little as you want at sit down meal and snack times
In keeping with helping kids (and adults) to tune into their body cues of hunger and fullness, kids are supported to eat as much or as little as they are hungry for at sit down meals and snacks. ADULTS get to choose the foods that are on offer, KIDS get to choose what from these foods they will eat (if any) and how much. Big eaters need to know they can eat till they are satisfied – that they won’t be left feeling hungry. Kids DO make mistakes with food regulation – sometimes they eat too little and sometimes they will eat too much. That’s an important part of the learning. Kids are also great at compensating at other meals to make up for these errors.
- Laughter
Meal times are fun! We enjoy each other’s company. We talk and chat together about things that are important to us. We don’t worry about what or how much anyone has eaten. That is each person’s own job to do.
- You can do it!
Meal preparation and meal times are times for kids to practice food and eating skills. Kids are encouraged to practice using a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks at an age appropriate level and with help where required. Exploring new foods using all senses without pressure to taste/eat it. Other food skills to practice – peeling a mandarin, putting a spread on bread, pouring the water from the jug, using a grater or can opener or veggie peeler. Think: Can my child do this for him/herself? If in doubt, let them try!
- Thanks for helping
Kids (especially young ones) LOVE to help you! Get them excited about setting the table, putting the cutlery out, pouring the drinks, cleaning away. Setting the table is great to get “busy” kids physically and mentally prepared to sit for meals. Tidying away jobs can occupy kids who finish first or get fidgety at the table. Don’t forget to thank them for a job well done.
Eat happy!
Deb
