1-3 yrs · mealtimes
Picky Eaters & Chaotic Mealtimes – How to Build Independence at the Table
SReviewed by Sara · Montessori teacher
Mealtimes are chaotic — how do I help my child eat more independently?
Think about how you actually want a mealtime to look. Do you want to sit together and talk about your day? If so, set clear, concrete rules and expectations — and stick to them. Rules that aren't followed are pointless rules.
One example of a rule could be that everyone stays in their seat until everyone has finished eating. This may take some practice. Don't expect everything to be perfect after just one or two tries — children need routines to be repeated many times before they really take hold.
Remember: change rarely happens overnight — routines need practice, and all feelings are allowed even when a behaviour needs a kind limit. Follow the child, prepare the environment, and let the child do it themselves.