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Parenting

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Original poster

Toys at the dinner table

13 replies

Mamabear04 · 21/02/2022 09:54

Toys at the dinner table - yay or nay?

We usually let our 2yo have Toys if we are eating out to make life easier but now she wants them at home. Is this going to be a rod for my own back if I let her at home?

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Ugly6 · 21/02/2022 09:57

Whatever makes life easier for you and if it helps them to get through meals - they aren't going to be wanting toys at the table for long in the grand scheme of things! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Onionpatch · 21/02/2022 10:00

She would naturally grow out of it anyway as children dont play with toys forever.
Its not something that would worry me, but if it worries you or your relatives I am sure she will also learn different rules for different places.

TeddyBeans · 21/02/2022 10:03

Personally no but each to their own. If it makes your life easier then go for it! As PP said, she'll grow out of it

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MotherOfCrocodiles · 21/02/2022 10:04

Mine would play rather than eat. You could possibly let them have a toy once they have finished eating as long as they are not going to use it to knock over everyone's drink, smoosh it in their food, drop it on the floor then cry.....

SatinHeart · 21/02/2022 10:06

If she actually eats as well/better with toys at the table, then I don't think its a big deal. One of mine will just play and not eat anything though so isn't allowed any toys at the table.

That said, does she go to any childcare settings or is she likely to soon? Because they probably won't allow it.

Passtherioja · 21/02/2022 10:13

Keep it as a treat for going out otherwise dinner at home will take ages. It's ok keeping them occupied for a couple of hours for a meal out is very different to dinner time taking 2 hours! Good luck!

Itsmemaggie · 21/02/2022 10:19

It depends my 2 1/2 year old always has to have something in his hand and usually it doesn’t detract too much from eating as he just likes to have whatever is his favourite that day with him wherever he is. I let him because I don’t feel like it’s a battle worth fighting. If it stopped him eating I would probably be less willing to accommodate this quirk!

inheritancetrack · 21/02/2022 10:28

Do what you can to get by, we had tv going to distract DS and get him to eat. It's not a rod as you can alter things as they go on and make different rules.

MedusasBadHairDay · 21/02/2022 10:50

We had enough difficulty getting our kids to eat without getting distracted as it was, so toys at the table were a definite no for us.

Anniegetyourgun76 · 21/02/2022 10:52

I'm of the opinion whatever works. I let mine have toys or their tables at the the table but it helps them eat more so I don't care what people think. Both mine have eating disorders from severe reflux so getting food in them can be a struggle.

Anniegetyourgun76 · 21/02/2022 10:52

Tablets at the table!

choosername1234 · 21/02/2022 10:59

We have no toys or phones at the table

Kite22 · 21/02/2022 11:13

A no for me - distracts them and the eating takes longer. Plus the toy gets covered in food, or any drink spillages, and sticky fingers.

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