My almost 2.5 year old constantly asks for "snacks". To the point that, when he's upset, he asks for a "snack" or if he's in a situation he's uncomfortable with or wants to leave, he'll ask to go to the "kitchen". He is a very healthy weight, and his "snacks" are generally healthy, but I want him to get into a schedules eating routine, and also to break the habit of asking for a snack as comfort - especially as I'm also conscious that his now healthy weight could change if he constantly seeks for snacks to make himself feel better. I suppose your replies will be to "just say no", which he'll inevitably kick off afterwards, but is there a kinder way of doing this? I just think if we start saying "no" now after stupidly allowing this to become a pattern he won't understand why. His understanding for a 2.5 year old is very good, without sounding biased I think he's pretty advanced. Is a visual chart too much at this age? This is how we potty trained him last month and it worked a treat. If so, what should this "chart" even look like when he has no concept of time? I welcome any other ideas who may have or do have the same issue with their toddler!
Thank you in advance :)