3 tips to help the kids eat at meal time

The older the girls get, the tougher each mealtime becomes. They’re developing every single day, and it can be tricky with two girls at different stages of life trying to approach dinner time calmly and fairly. Over the years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to help make your family mealtimes a bit easier: 

1. DONT FILL THE PLATE TO MUCH.

I used to fill their plates up with a large serving of food in the hope that they’d accept the challenge and eat everything! What I actually found is that they ate less, compared with when I gave them a smaller serving and offered them seconds. I think large amounts can be overwhelming for little ones – after all, all they want to do is finish up and get back to playing. Try giving your kids a smaller potion and make it into a game: who can finish first?! Madison and Macie usually speed through theirs and end up asking for more! Secret Mum tricks, right there!

2. GET THEM INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION

This one is tricky, but try involving your kids in the mealtime planning. I ask my girls each morning what they fancy for dinner, and have found it gets them more excited about dinner time. I know they are only 5 and 3 and ultimately it’s me who needs to decide what they eat – you don’t want to surrender too much control, remember! But this way, they are involved in the decision making which makes it easier for them to eat. I usually will add one or two things they requested in the meal, and so when it comes around to mealtimes, they know that I’ve included them in the prep. I think knowing what to expect helps, too. 

3. FIND INTERESTING CUTLERY

It sounds trivial, but try changing up your utensils and crockery every now and again. I like to change up their cutlery, as I’ve found it makes them excited to be eating with a new spoon and fork! Kids, eh?! Lately the girls have been loving “Big Kid” cutlery to make them feel grown up and independent. At the moment we are using Carrol Boyes stainless steel cutlery set which comes packaged beautifully in a tube with a spoon, fork and a child-safe knife. The girls love it and loved the fact they can look like mumma using stainless steel set! Grab your set HERE

How do you tackle mealtimes in your family?! I’d love to hear any tips you guys have, so let me know in the comments below!