How to Teach Kids to Eat on Their Own
When a child starts eating solids, he/she is fed by an adult. This feeding often continues for several years as self feeding by toddlers is messy and slow. If left to his/her own, a toddler will not only make a mess around his/her plate, but also take a long time to finish his/her food. Also, at times, the child gets bored of eating as the process of self feeding takes too long. Hence, the toddler enjoys it when he/she is fed as it requires little effort on his/her own part. This feeding often continues when a child has entered primary school.
It is vital to teach children how to eat on their own as early as possible. They build an interest in the food that they are eating as they are handling the food rather than just opening their mouth for it to be spooned in. Once a child reaches 4 years of age, he/she should be proficient in eating on his/her own. For children at this age, who still want someone to feed them, there are several options to try out.
School Meals
One of the best ways to inculcate self feeding amongst small children is to enrol them in a playschool that gives a meal. As the school teachers have to tend to several children, the child has to eat on his/her own (albeit with a little help from the school staff). Over time, the child develops dexterity and enjoys the responsibility of finishing his/her own meal within the stipulated time. And, of course, getting a ‘star’ from the teacher is always on the top of their list.
Play Dates
Often children eat better when they see their friends eating a particular type of food. Play dates can be arranged over meal time so that the children sit together and eat by themselves. Children hate to be left behind or be less proficient in anything that their friends are adept at.
No TV
If the television is on during meal times, the child forgets to eat as all attention is on the television and not on the food. It is better to get the child to finish his/her meal and then reward him/her with a television session.
