🤦🏼♀️Don’t make my mistake when feeding your toddler. UGH. It’s so easy to fall into this trap when we are so busy! 👉🏼👉🏼Welcome to how I became a short-order cook in just a matter of days…and how to break that habit.
🤍Lately, I haven’t had time to prep this little guy’s meals. I typically pre-plate – meaning I serve him all at once, with 3 to 4 choices on his plate. If he asks for more of something, I sometimes say “Yes, we have more of that” but it’s within easy reach and I don’t get up to get more if I can help it.
🤍BUT when I don’t have time to have his plate ready, I end up giving him some @cheerios (a convenient, sure-thing) while I try to cut up grapes, warm up pasta, etc. And then, because I’m still trying to get his plate ready, I get him a few more (how can I resist that cute face?) but ugh…this can really back-fire!
😳WHAT IS HE LEARNING? Like many toddlers, “more” has a dual meaning, “GIVE ME MORE OR GIVE ME SOMETHING ELSE”.
👉🏼Instead, try to have that plate ready before putting them in their highchair. Have more food within an arm’s reach in a serving bowl or just another plate, but try to stay seated. That way, it’s clear when something is “all gone” and no longer available. But if you’re always hopping up to grab another food out of the fridge or off the stove, kids think there’s more up there somewhere and will continue to insist on “more”.
🎥Watch for the next reel on how I meal prep for this little guy in less than 10 minutes, twice a week. And, I still include favorites then too, but they are served on the plate with the other foods.
❓Have you fallen into this trap? It’s so easy to do!
🥰Melanie
Also, all the love for the convenience and nutrition of a handful of good old @cheerios!
#melaniepotock #pickyeaters #slpfeeding #feedinglittles #ashaigers #responsivefeeding #startingsolids