t time behavior.. hints?

[tifyv]

we have 2 boys, 2 & 3 who are generally well behaved, but as soon as we sit down for a family meal, all hell breaks loose. ive tried, ignoring, taking meal away, and bribery. They get very few if any snacks, so i am confident that they are hungry & i always make sure that there is something on the plate that they recognise & have happily eaten before. any hints?

Thats very typical.You need to decide what is acceptable for you.Some fun is great but they need to pull it back when you want them to.

They are very young (in my opinion) to expect perfect behaviour.I would set them little goals like I want you to talk quietly,stay sitting down, pass the sauce,reward them with a sticker etc.Keep it light, keep it fun.

Lower your expectations.

Don't eat with them. (but do sit with them)
Focus on them, then let then go and play while you have yours.

They sound very normal and full of fun.

Thanks. They do seem to eat better when I don't eat with them but that's seems contradictory to everything I ve ever read. Will let u know how I get on!

Of course you can eat with them.I really ment you don't always need to eat with them.Sometimes we like to eat in peace there is nothing wrong with that.

well its certainly been working. I've been clearer with what i expect, ie sit down, no spitting, throwing or cups on heads!! Sitting with them & talking to them with undivided attention has helped immensely... seems so obvious now! PS we even got the green veg eaten on one occasion. Thanks v. much for your help, this was my first time on here, and will b back!