Nursery World - A parent's guide to happy mealtimes

Make mealtimes fun * Eat with your child and encourage others to do so. Young children can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so when you want them to concentrate on eating don't be tempted to use the TV or video or toys or games to distract them. Show enjoyment of eating and talking together at these times, and tell your child when you are enjoying a particular food.

* Eat with your child and encourage others to do so. Young children can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so when you want them to concentrate on eating don't be tempted to use the TV or video or toys or games to distract them. Show enjoyment of eating and talking together at these times, and tell your child when you are enjoying a particular food.

* Clear 'markers' will help your child to know that playtime is over (for now) and it's time to eat - for example, packing away toys, washing hands or sitting in his or her chair. Similarly, some action or routine that indicates the meal is over and it is time to do something else will give structure to mealtimes.

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