12 - 15 Months

Family meals for toddlers.

#FeedingYourBaby

Family mealtimes can be a lovely way to bring everyone together - in theory. Throw a toddler into the mix and your family feast can turn into a food fight in the blink of an eye. Here are some family meal ideas with toddlers to keep dinnertime a drama-free zone.

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Toddlers are little mimics and you are their idol, so show them how it’s done.

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Try giving them smaller portions on (unbreakable) plates.

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Ignore silly behaviour (throwing food around, shouting, banging on the table).

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Praise good behaviour (eating, enjoying, trying to use spoons and forks).

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Talk to them about the meal, its taste, colours, smells and textures.

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Don’t focus all your attention on them – it’s a family meal after all.

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Don’t worry if they don’t clear their plate.

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Don’t offer alternatives if they refuse what’s on the table.

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If eating out, try avoiding peak times in case your mini-food critic acts up.

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Make sure the restaurant is child-friendly with highchairs, child-sized meals and child-friendly plates and cutlery.

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If they have a tantrum in a restaurant or café try taking them outside or to a quiet corner for a moment. They could just be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells of a busy environment.

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Family meals for toddlers.

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