Because no one wants to fight at the dinner table
Sharing responsibilities between adults and kids is key!
4 decisions the parents take
Food rule #1: What food is served
What is on the menu. Which food items are featured tonight. What recipes will be cooked.
It means one single meal for the whole family. It might be a good old favorite…or a new food to discover.
Dessert for everyone, regardless of what they have chosen to eat.
Food rule #2: Where are we eating
At the dinner table, sitting properly, following the family rules.
Not in their bedrooms, not as they play and run around.
Food rule #3: How are the family meal prepared
Everyone participates in meal prep, tasks are adapted to your child’s age.
As a family, chatting together.
Not in front of the tv (our professional opinion).
Food rule #4: When are we eating
Following the meal and snack schedule of your family.
Sticking to a routine is always reassuring for kids.
You provide the occasion for them to eat a healthy and pleasant meal. The offer is theirs to take…or not.
The 2 most important decisions come back to your kids
Kid’s decision #1: If they actually want to eat
If they even want to eat something during the meal.
Include them at the dinner table even if they decide not to eat.
Kid’s decision #2: How much they want to eat
What portion size they want on their plate.
How much of each healthy plate component they want to eat.
And…remember that dessert is for everyone, regardless of what they have chosen to eat.
Trust your kids to decide if and how much they want to eat at that specific meal. Less work for you!
Parents = What, When, How, Where.
Kids = If, How much.
Easy, peasy.
Never force your kid to eat anything. Don’t comment on their food intake either. Once the meal is on the table, your job is done. Sit back and let go.