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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To tie my child to the table

133 replies

grrihateteatime · 22/10/2024 17:24

I mean obviously I won’t but it’s so frustrating. Charging around between mouthfuls and running back and forth for toys.

I know - I probably should say ‘right, you’ve finished then’ the first time he does it but he’d literally live off fresh air then which then affects sleep and behaviour …

grr

OP posts:
grrihateteatime · 22/10/2024 17:31

AgainandagainandagainSS · 22/10/2024 17:30

Agree. Act like a baby, get treated like one and back into the high chair until mature enough to sit nicely.

He wouldn’t give a shit but more to the point he can get out of a high chair easily - I’m surprised most children wouldn’t be able to but he’s always had Houdini tendencies.

OP posts:
grrihateteatime · 22/10/2024 17:30

Nicebloomers · 22/10/2024 17:25

You do realise you’re the parent right?

Thanks 🙄

I do obviously realise that, but short of literally tying him down I can’t force him to sit still. He doesn’t care about food so it isn’t any sort of threat to say no dinner then … all that happens is he gets hungry but doesn’t really recognise it well so gets wired and manic instead. Same with drinks actually - you have to tell him to drink or he just doesn’t or nowhere near enough.

@Changingusernameasalways yes he’s 3 … nearly 4 though Hmm

OP posts:
AgainandagainandagainSS · 22/10/2024 17:30

Investinmyself · 22/10/2024 17:29

What’s your home set up? Can you do meals at a table away from toys and shut kitchen door. How old is he? Would a toddler booster seat or one of those wooden chairs for older kids he’s strapped into help.
I’d do a reminder 5 mins to meal. Get him to come to table and sit and eat together and talk with him. If he gets up guide him back to table. It’s time to eat now.

Agree. Act like a baby, get treated like one and back into the high chair until mature enough to sit nicely.

Investinmyself · 22/10/2024 17:29

What’s your home set up? Can you do meals at a table away from toys and shut kitchen door. How old is he? Would a toddler booster seat or one of those wooden chairs for older kids he’s strapped into help.
I’d do a reminder 5 mins to meal. Get him to come to table and sit and eat together and talk with him. If he gets up guide him back to table. It’s time to eat now.

surety135 · 22/10/2024 17:28

Try one of the fitness elastic bands stretched across the front two chair legs so they can bounce their feet up and down on it while eating.

Needmorelego · 22/10/2024 17:27

How old?
Mine still fitted in her highchair until she was about 5.

Changingusernameasalways · 22/10/2024 17:26

Don't sweat the small stuff. They're only young once and it will all be behind you in the blink of an eye. Unless we're talking about a 10 year old then live and let live I say.

Nicebloomers · 22/10/2024 17:25

You do realise you’re the parent right?