Cute little child eating blended carrotIt may be tempting to distract your toddler at mealtimes with your phone or iPad while he or she is eating. If it seems like your child eats more and is better-behaved if he has an electronic toy at mealtime, here are three reasons why you may want to curb the habit:

1. Distracted mealtimes teach mindless eating. Instead of listening to his body’s cues to tell him when he’s getting full, your child just chews and swallows without realizing how much he is eating. You don’t want him to carry this habit into adulthood; it can be very hard to break!

2. Children expect to always be entertained in this world of information overload. Mealtimes provide an opportunity for you to focus on what you are doing in the moment – and focus on your loved ones. It gives your child a chance to talk about his day and engage with family. This can pay off as he grows older, and teach him to be respectful and attentive. He will also find mealtimes a good time to be heard, especially if he has serious issues to discuss with you.

3. Mealtimes give you the opportunity to model the behaviors you expect from your child. If your child gets used to being distracted with technology while he is eating, he may not learn how to politely ask for more, how to respond when being spoken to, and how to sit and eat quietly without an electronic screen in front of him. Most parents are motivated to have a child who is a joy for other families to have over for dinner!

If you are currently using technology to distract your toddler at mealtimes, here’s how to “wean” your child:

  • Start by serving the meal then asking your child to tell you about his day (“What was your favorite part about the park this morning?”
  • If he keeps asking for a toy, tell him he can have it after he eats and talks for a few minutes.
  • Keep him engaged by asking questions and listening to the answers.
  • Gradually increase the “talking and eating” time and decrease the technology time until your mealtimes become focused on each other and there is no technology at all!

If you need a step-by step strategy to promote positive eating habits, give us a call. (781) 608-8397