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Structuring Mealtimes To Avoid Chaos
Does it seem impossible to get your child to sit through a meal at the dinner table? Are you constantly chasing them around the house to make sure tomato sauce does not end up on the sofa? Be proactive and try some prevention strategies for success.
Our Expert Tip:
Set rules about mealtime in advance. It is important the you describe & your family understands the following: The when's (will eat at "x" time), where's (only at the dinner table), why's (it is "important to learn to eat at the table because.."), and how's (mom will give you two choices only). The use of signals, such as timers to instruct your children how long they must sit for as well as schedules, which demonstrate when food will be made available may also assist in structuring your mealtime. Don't forget the importance of outlining contingencies prior to mealtime (if you chose not to eat, then...). Most importantly, remember that change takes consistency and time.
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