If you’re a toddler parent, you likely recognize the challenge of persuading your children to set aside their gadgets and cut back on screen time. The recent pandemic has certainly amplified the hours kids are glued to screens, but the most daunting task may be convincing them to eat. You understand the struggle if your child won’t remove food from their plate without fixating on the TV or a favorite show on their tablet. Parents often grapple with the dilemma of permitting screen time during meals versus facing tantrums at the dinner table.
What’s the fuss about mealtime distractions?
I bet you have a valid justification for allowing books, television, or iPads during eating times. Many parents resort to this strategy to coax children into trying various foods or eating appropriate portions. Although this scenario is common at lunchtime, it often reflects a parent’s hidden motives or pressure surrounding mealtime. This is important because:
• Control and pressure at the dining experience stem from insecurity regarding food. Some children are more challenging to trust around food due to being in a picky phase, displaying irregular eating habits, being smaller than siblings, or having a history of growth concerns. Using distractions to get food into them isn’t a beneficial long-term strategy.
• Engaging with distractions during meals prevents us from tuning into our bodies. Consequently, kids who grow up without food trust are likely to become adults who can’t discern true hunger from feelings of satiety.
• A child engrossed in movies or books isn’t fully engaged in family dining, whereas the parent might miss their meal entirely while reading or preparing for a film.
How can you limit screen time during meals?
According to child nutrition specialists, the following suggestions can assist in feeding your child without resorting to the TV. These recommendations ensure your child obtains the right nutrition and eats without fuss over time.
1. Where feasible, establish mealtime as a family affair.
Making mealtime a family gathering is the primary rule for teaching kids about healthy, distraction-free dining. Set an example for your toddler to understand the social aspects of eating together. Show enjoyment in your food by finishing it, encouraging your toddler to do likewise. He or she is likely to mimic your behavior. Prioritize family meals to impart the significance of sharing a meal with loved ones. Regardless of the commotion, eat at the dining table instead of in your lap, and eliminate distractions such as the television and smartphones.
2. Let your toddler expend energy through play or exercise.
Low appetite frequently leads to toddlers being fussy at meals and demanding the television be turned on. They're distracted by entertainment because they aren’t hungry enough. It’s essential for toddlers to have sufficient physical activity or energy expenditure for their appetite to thrive. Allow your toddler a quick dash in the park or enroll them in swimming lessons if they are old enough. Regular physical activity will enhance their metabolism, thereby fostering hunger. This is generally easier for children in nursery and daycare settings.
