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Expert Q&A
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| By Carlyn A. Berghoff Caterer | ||
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My child plays with her food rather than eating it. What should I do?
Are you giving her a snack or a beverage too close to meal time? If so, the timing of either of those is very important. I would also limit the amount of food you put on her plate. And, if it's a new food item, get her attention by both of you looking at it together. Then let her touch it, squeeze it, smell it, then possibly have her try feeding it to you. After that have her either feed it to herself or you feed it to her.
It is very normal to have a child want to play with their food. It is important that they understand it isn't proper after first trying it. By your modeling it and trying the food with her you are showing her it is OK to play, but then you need to get down to the business of eating. Try to keep mealtime short and remove the three T's from your life: TV, telephone and toys. It should be a time of togetherness."
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