2007-02-20 06:32:07 · 7 answers · asked by terry 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
I let my first two children snack all over the house when they were toddlers. Sippy cups dripping all over the carpet, crumbs in the couch cushions... ick. And was clueless enough to wonder WHY my house was such a mess. Well, I woke up one day and the proverbial light bulb turned on over my head-- they should only get their drinks & food at the TABLE! Alleluiah! I saw the light!
I sat them down at the table, gave them their drink or food, and explained that they had to sit there to have it. I had to take it away and direct them back to the table repeatedly the first few days, and keep on them every second while they were eating/drinking, so they knew I was determined and wouldn't give in. I didn't take the food away completely, just long enough to direct them back to the proper area. Once they went back to the table, they got their food back, even if it was the twelfth time they got up with it. If they chose not to go back to the table, I let them know that they could have it back as soon as they felt like sitting down to table again. I didn't want to make the issue over the food itself, but over the place where they were eating it. I had enough problems getting them to eat "enough" food already, so I didn't want to discourage it to the point of taking it away completely.
It worked after just a couple days of consistent watchfulness. They weren't punished, other than the brief time I withheld the food or drink before they decided to go back to the table.
I've had to do this "training" with all of my subsequent children as they outgrew the high chair and began sitting at the table unrestrained. Not difficult at all, if you are watchful and consistent. If you're tired of scrubbing juice stains out of your carpet, your knees will thank you for it!
2007-02-20 06:50:24 · answer #1 · answered by LaundryGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are the mother, you say this..... We are going to eat as a family at the dining room table, don't let your child walk all over you, you are the parent and an adult. If you eat in the living room then your child will follow your example.
2007-02-20 14:36:10 · answer #2 · answered by Hawaiisweetie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So take their food away until they get up to the table. You are the parent and if they dont want to listen to where they are suppost to eat, then tell them they cannot eat until they sit where they are suppost to sit. Lead by example! If not move on to bigger punishments.
2007-02-20 14:38:01 · answer #3 · answered by jess_n_flip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get rid of the tv. Believe it or not, a lot of parents lock up the tv's in the house because the kids are glued to it.
2007-02-20 14:37:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make it a rule - eating only at the table - it's a rule in our house.
2007-02-20 17:03:18 · answer #5 · answered by Zabes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your child, and if he or she wont listen then you should punish. Kids take your kidness for a weakness.
2007-02-20 14:38:55 · answer #6 · answered by Babe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're the parent, tell them not to!!!
2007-02-20 14:36:21 · answer #7 · answered by jilldaniel_wv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋