As a parent, mealtime can often feel like a battleground, especially when you’re dealing with a spirited toddler. From picky eating habits to impromptu food fights, navigating the dinner table can be a challenge. However, amidst the chaos, there’s one rule that I never waver on when it comes to my toddler’s behavior at mealtime.
At our dinner table, there’s a strict rule in place: no toys allowed. While it might seem like a simple rule, enforcing it consistently has made a world of difference in our family’s mealtime experience.
For many parents, the temptation to hand over a toy to keep their toddler occupied during mealtime can be strong. After all, a favorite toy can provide instant entertainment and keep them happily occupied while you enjoy your meal, right? However, I firmly believe that allowing toys at the dinner table sets a dangerous precedent and can lead to a host of negative consequences down the road.
First and foremost, I want mealtime to be a time for connection and conversation in our family. By allowing toys at the table, we risk missing out on valuable opportunities to bond and engage with each other. Instead of playing with a toy, I want my toddler to learn the importance of engaging in meaningful conversation, sharing stories about our day, and enjoying each other’s company.
Furthermore, allowing toys at the dinner table can interfere with our toddler’s ability to develop healthy eating habits. Research has shown that distracted eating, such as playing with toys while eating, can lead to overeating and poor food choices. By eliminating toys from the equation, we can encourage our toddler to focus on their meal, listen to their body’s hunger cues, and develop a healthier relationship with food.
Of course, enforcing this rule hasn’t always been easy. There have been plenty of tantrums and protests along the way… especially when my two year old wants to bring over her little toy cars or Paw Patrol figures. But I firmly believe that consistency is key when it comes to setting boundaries. By sticking to our no-toys rule, we’ve created a situation where our toddler knows what is expected of them and won’t be too distracted to eat by playing with toys instead.
