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dinner time problems

3 replies

bunniesmum · 09/12/2010 13:33

Ive built a rod for my own back by allowing my 4 year old to play on his DS console at meal times on occasion for an easy life. This was clearly a very stupid habit to have got into as he now demands to be fed while he plays on it at every meal. Please dont think Im a bad parent, I try,..cooking home made meals, doing lots of activities with my boys, being a fun mum, always having friends to play...but I work nights so when it comes to having a peaceful meal with my family Ive allowed him to play on it so I can eat in peace without him constantly getting down from the table, arguing with his brother and making my husband get cross. Ive tryed making him sit at the table without his DS and telling him he wont be able to get down until hes eaten (he just crys himself into a state), Ive tryed the naughty step when he gets down from the table and this morning he went to school with an empty tummy as I thought I would stick to my guns and not allow him to play while eating and feed himself (he obviously chose not to eat his boiled egg !). Have felt guily all morning that my poor baby might be famished. I dont want to create a situation where food becomes an issue but I just want some manners and expect him to sit nicely at the table and eat by himself (which he manages without problem at friends houses/ partys etc). Any budding supernannies out there with advise ? (P.S. sorry to babble !)

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Iklboo · 09/12/2010 13:36

Don't recharge it next time it runs down. If it's not charged he can't play on it.

Or try 'weaning' him. He can play it for 15 minutes, then 10, then 5.

Or sticker chart/reward. If he eats his tea without playing on the DS he gets a sticker, X stickers = a game or other small treat?

scurryfunge · 09/12/2010 13:39

I think the best thing to do is make it clear from now on what you expect. Talk to him about it not during a meal time. Tell him he is old enough now not to have to play with games at the table, that is for babies. Tell him he is a big boy now and you expect big boy behaviour.

Reward him when he complies but do not get into battles with him. Give him a 5 minute warning when his meal is ready and tell him to put the game down. He will probably resist but be firm. If the game doesn't go away, there is no meal.

He won't do it for long but make sure there are no extra snacks and treats between meals while you are training him.

bunniesmum · 09/12/2010 13:56

Will give those a try, thanks !

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