tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135990113081206879.post2786161726402185262..comments2023-10-28T05:44:34.489-07:00Comments on family feeding dynamics: Does it feel like you're working too hard?familyfeedingdynamicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09049399245893420332noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135990113081206879.post-3507249488137613972009-03-27T08:27:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:27:00.000-07:00I think its neat that you can feel something isn't...I think its neat that you can feel something isn't working for your family and you're trying to fix it. This is exactly the situation I often work with when I counsel families. (I do phone coaching, usually 30 minute sessions every 2 weeks or so...) Anyway, getting Jack on a schedule will likely help the most! Trying to only eat meals/snacks roughly every 2-3 hours. Say no to grazing in between, other than water (helps prevent cavities too.) Expect some tantrums during the transition. I have some other thoughts about the grapes etc, but this is getting long! Read Child Of Mine by Satter for more specifics, or give me a call! Allowing them to develop an appetite is key to variety. Good for you for stepping back a little. There is alot of info out there to support you. I let M down when she is done. Some days its 10 minutes, if she's hungry and loves what she's eating its 25 or so. A 2-3 year old might only be able to sit for 5 minutes, and that's OK. They should be expected to find something to do, legos, playdo etc so you can finish your meal (yeah right!) It takes time to make these changes, but its so much more peaceful if you can!<BR/>Keep me posted!familyfeedingdynamicshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09049399245893420332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135990113081206879.post-78608815000829295702009-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00My husband and I have been talking about this a lo...My husband and I have been talking about this a lot. I've shared what I've learned from you because we are really butting heads with Jack at mealtimes if it's something he maybe doesn't want to eat. What we're noticing is that he wants to snack all day long and then eats very little at meal time. I am making an effort to not label foods a snack food or a treat food or a meal food and just offer healthy, beneficial foods. Usually. As we are now approaching meal time with the intention of not offering the "eat two bites of this and you'll get this" bribe, I am surprised how it pushes my buttons quickly. :) I realize how much I/we try to control his food intake and it becomes a power struggle. That shouldn't be the point of a meal. I really appreciate this subject and I think we're learning a lot. Yesterday Jack only wanted a piece of bologna for lunch. He ignored his grapes and milk. I let him leave the table with the understanding that the next time he was hungry he would be having grapes. He was not happy about this and we went back and forth for a while but after his nap he was hungry and ate his grapes happily. But I could tell he wanted me to notice he had done what I wanted him to do. I wonder if this is a wrong approach? I am trying to find a balance.<BR/><BR/>Another question: when M decides she is finished eating a meal, do you excuse her from the table or does she sit with you until everyone is done? This becomes more of a behavioral issue, I know, but I'm curious how you handle it.<BR/><BR/>On an allergy note: I discovered SunButter this week. Sunflower Seed Butter. It's delicious and peanut free!Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14365761312916475144noreply@blogger.com