We are struggling with mealtimes in our nursery because we have been told that we should not make children finish their food if they don't want to. This is causing huge problems. Parents want to know that their child has eaten well, and when some children are allowed to leave the table, others who may otherwise eat more want to follow them. When pudding is served, the children then want to come back. If we make children stay at the table, they are restless. Help!
Food is, and probably always has been, something more than a necessity that keeps us alive, and it is a hot topic at the moment in view of concerns about the rising numbers of overweight and obese children. A good starting point before dealing with the practicalities of mealtimes is to look at some of the complex mix of emotions, attitudes and values that surround them.
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