Toddler Week 57

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Dinner Time Learning

Sports, long work hours and other extra curricular activities make families busier today than ever before.  I know that with these activities, there is always a slim chance of having everyone meet in one place for an extended period of time.  However, a way to make sure the family stays connected and that everyone has an opportunity to share information is to plan regular, family meals together.  You may have to be creative about how this can happen, and maybe it can’t happen everyday, but it is an important family component whose importance can’t be stressed enough.

Start by setting a time for dinner (or breakfast!) that each family member can commit to.  It is best to make this a daily occurrence, but if that isn’t possible, agree to the days all members will be present. As your two year old is too young to offer his opinion, be sure to take into consideration the timing of the last snack, when his bed time and what time you will need to start cooking dinner in order for it to be ready on time.

During the family meal make sure everyone is sitting at the table, able to see one another and that everyone, old and young, has proper utensils and dinnerware to eat off of. If a table is not available, make sure you have chosen a place for everyone to gather at, the coffee table, couch, or even on the floor! 

Consider the rule of “hands off on technology” during dinnertime.  Elimination of as many distractions as possible will help all members of the family to actively listen and communicate with one another.

Have one item of food that your child can feed himself.  Although it may be messy, allowing toddlers to feed themselves improves hand eye coordination and motor skills. Be ready to clean up the mess and look at it in a positive way by giving him techniques on how to be successful.

Teaching table manners are easily learned when the family sits to eat together. Each member can serve themselves and then pass the food onto the next person, making sure that polite words like “please” and “thank you”  are being used regularly.  Everyone remaining seated and in conversation until each member is done eating is a great sign of respect towards others while encouraging communication. 

What are the topics to talk about?  The sky is the limit! How was their day? What did they do? What was their “high” today that they are excited to share?  There are also great family conversation starter cards you can purchase that prompts original and unique conversations.  Do a quick internet search and order a set! 

Enjoy this sacred time to talk to one another with no distractions…you’ll be glad you did!

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