Mealtime

• When it is mealtime for your lil' eater, try to get rid of all distractions. Turn off the TV and put the toys away! Keep your child's focus on eating and let them know that when they are done they can get back to their activities. Talk to them during meals to keep their focus on meals.

• Try to make time to eat with your children. I know as moms you are always busy doing ten things at once but if possible take the time to sit down as a family and eat.

• Like many aspects of raising children, it is beneficial to have a routine so your lil' eater knows what to expect. Just as you have a bedtime routine, try a pre-meal routine.

• You have a lot of pressure raising kids. You have to teach them how to teach them so many things including how to use utensils and manners. They can get very frustrated during this time so instead of getting angry, be patient with them so mealtime is an enjoyable experience.

• Try different styles of serving meals. Pre-plated meals: food served to the children. Cafeteria style: children go through the line and you fill their plates with amounts and what they what. Family style: food is served in bowls and passed around the table, taking what you want.

Mealtime Memo for Child Care; National Food Service Management Institute: The University of Mississippi No. 1, 2009