Mealtime is not only a chance to feed your kids, but it is also an opportunity to bond with them, teach healthy eating habits, and develop their social skills. In today's digital age, it's becoming increasingly common for toddlers to be distracted by screens during mealtime, which can negatively impact their eating habits and overall health. Through this blog, we will explore tips and strategies for making mealtime fun and interactive without using screens. So, let's get started!
1. Make sure you set specific times for screen use: Try setting a routine for when your child can use screens, such as after eating or during playtime. This way, your child will come to expect that screens are not part of mealtime.
2. Make mealtime fun: You can create a fun mealtime experience for your toddler by reading a story, singing a song, or playing a game. This will keep your child engaged and less likely to ask for a screen.
3. Engage your toddler in dinner preparation: Get your child involved in preparing the meal or setting the table. Having your toddler participate in meal preparation will give them a sense of ownership, which will make them more likely to enjoy the meal.
4. Model the right screen habits: Become an example of good screen habits. If you want your toddler to avoid screens during mealtime, then make sure you're not using screens either. This will show your child that screens are not a necessary part of mealtime.
5. Consistency is key: Make sure your expectations are consistent. Having screens at one mealtime will likely lead to your toddler expecting them at every meal. When you stick to a routine, your child will learn that screens are not part of mealtime.