Helping a Toddler Learn How to Eat Table Food
Transitioning your toddler from baby to table food can be somewhat of a challenge, even if your toddler isn't a picky eater. Introducing table foods and teaching your toddler how to eat them will take patience on your part, as well as effort from your toddler. Offering a variety of food, as well as new tastes and textures, can help your child learn how to eat at the table with the rest of his family.
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Instructions
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Keep your expectations realistic. Feeding a toddler is a time-consuming and messy project, so don't expect too much too soon from your toddler. Rushing into feeding and expecting perfect manners will only leave you and your toddler disappointed and frustrated.
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Role-model using a fork and spoon for your toddler. Show your toddler how to put the food on her fork or spoon, and take it to her mouth. Use your hands to guide hers in putting the food on her utensil and moving it to her mouth. Encourage her to do this on her own, and praise her for any effort she makes.
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Start with bite-sized chunks of food that can be easily picked up by toddler-sized fingers. Some choices for finger foods include cubes of carrots or potatoes, small pieces of well-cooked chicken or cut-up noodles. Allow your toddler to start eating with his hands to acclimate him to the idea of sitting at the family table and eating dinner.
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Increase your expectations for your child in regards to using utensils at the table. Assist your toddler in using the utensils, and gently remind him to use his fork or spoon if he starts eating with his hands.
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Remove your child from the table if she does not follow expectations or begins to misbehave, such as throwing or playing with her food. Remind your toddler of the expectations for her next meal, and reinforce these expectations each mealtime.
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