For some parents, mealtime can be the most difficult part of the day. Some children never want to stop playing to do something as mundane as eating, while others seem to dislike every food placed in front of them. These minor battles can quickly escalate into a power struggle if not handled properly.

Scheduling Meals

Children are creatures of habit. It’s no accident that schools and daycares keep a strict schedule – children transition better from one activity to another if they can expect to make the same transition, at approximately the same time, every day. You can use this technique in your home, as well. Establish a daily routine. For example, eat breakfast after everyone is dressed and before the day’s activities begin; eat lunch after the morning’s activities are over and before naptime; eat dinner once the entire family is home for the day and before a favorite TV show (or other winding-down activities) begins. When a child knows that “after we play outside, we eat lunch,” there will be less resistance when it comes time to go inside. Of course, it is always a good idea to give reminders, to keep the child mindful of the upcoming transition: “In five minutes we will go inside for lunch.” Remember, the initial resistance to mealtime is often due to a poorly managed transition; kids tend to become very focused on interesting activities, so much so that to stop playing for lunch may seem like an impossibility.

Snacks can be a part of the daily routine, as well. For instance, a mid-afternoon snack can take place right after the child wakes up from her nap, and a bedtime snack can be given after the child has bathed and dressed for bed. Schedule the snacks so that they logically follow other activities, and be sure that you do not schedule snacks too soon before meals. However, for children with small appetites, offering snacks may deter them from eating their meals. Select a snack schedule that works best for your child’s needs, and do not allow your child to eat between snack times; keeping your schedule will encourage good eating habits by ensuring that your child is hungry at mealtimes.