Does a 2-yr old need mealtime routines?

Question

His mother eats when she is hungry regardless of the time and the 2-yr old wants to eat at the same time. Is this the right/healthy way to do it or is a regular routine needed?

His mother is pregnant, but this has been am issue long before that.

Answer 1

It is much better for the child and family to have set meal times, so that you can bond. It also creates healthier eating habits and it sounds like the child's mother could use the good example as well.

Remember that young children up to six or seven, need a snack in the am and pm. Mom should limit her snacks to that time as well.

Answer 2

I would highly recommend that a 2yr be on a meal routine. It helps develop healthy eating habits for the future. 2 year olds will eat meals with snacks in between, but that can be routine. The tendency to just eat whenenver may lead to poor habits and maybe even unwanted weight gain (in the future). If the child is truly hungry at other times, offer fruit or veggies.

Answer 3

2 year olds need to be on a routine. not just for meals but for everything. children thrive on schedules... They behave better when they know whats going to happen at this time and that time. Other then that, if some nights hes eating later, it will keep him up. I suggest he gets on a meal schedule

Answer 4

2 yr. olds defnitely need to be on a schedule when it comes to things like this.

Just because mom isn't eating, doesn't mean he can't. Have his meal times at the same time each day so he knows when he can expect to be fed.

Also, I think it would be great if he, you, and mom all sat down for these meals. Just because mom isn't eating at that time doesn't mean she can't sit at the table and have dinner with you all.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

Yes.