19 month old wanting to sit on a lap at meal time (x-posted)

[GingerDoodle]

Our 19 month old DD has decided she wants to sit on our laps at mealtimes; we've tried a booster and letting her sit on a chair but its hit and miss. Has anyone else experienced this?

Yes - my dd was exactly the same. Then one day we refused to let her telling her that she sat on her chair properly or didn't have any dinner. The most dreadful tantrum ensued but we stuck to our guns and say calmly eating ours while she threw herself about them finally she relented (presumably she was hungry!) and sat in her chair. She never asked to sit in our laps again! It was literally a battle of wills - one horrible mealtime yes but it worked.

We went out for a family meal recently and I was so proud dd sat in her chair good as gold while her cousin of the same age played up. At the end of the day it's our job to teach them how to behave at the table so I would definitely grit your teeth give it a try and stick to your guns!!

personally I wouldnt put up with it - sitting on each other at mealtimes is hardly conducive to everyone enjoying eating is it? but then I had twins so therefore put up with a lot less than some seem to.

Thanks all - it seems fairly common which i am grateful for. Prior to this phase she would sit perfectly happily in her chair so this is something new thats come out of the blue. She is better with me during the day than in the evening or weekends.