Hi,
So I have a 2.5 year old who I probably have a wider DH problem with too but that’s another story! My DH is of the opinion that a toddler will willingly starve themselves and if we don’t find a way to ensure he eats, he will starve.
Despite me fighting for as long as I can remember in recent times, his answer has been plonk him at a little table, in the living room, in front of the TV for EVERY MEAL (he gave up a high chair very early, mr independent).
My DH has mid week rest days so DS is either at nursery, at home with him or his dad either once or twice a week when he’s on other shifts. I work Mon-Fri typical office times. I’ve shown him that we waste hours of time as DS still doesn’t eat and just stares transfixed at the TV, plus all the other good reasons to sit together at the table. I’ve also tried to explain to cut short the mealtime if he’s not hungry or doesn’t want to eat but again, he’s been allowed to sit for over an hour sometimes with little to no progress. My DH just prefers an easy life so will do whatever is needed for the least bother!
I know at nursery he sits with his little friends and eats unaided without screens.
Sorry - rambling! I’ve finally convinced him this week that it’s happening and we are going to transition DS to the big table with us. It hasn’t been easy as he likes to run around and get down but with consistency and giving him decisions he can control E.g. being finished, sitting at the table or we’ll try another time, he’s getting there.
I asked him to let his dad know this so we’re all being consistent (he has the cross over with his dad on his days). I was doing teatime with my DS earlier this week, after he’d been with his grandad when he started asking me for an iPad. I was suspicious but DH told me he didn’t know anything. I’ve found out today that DIL has told DH he decided to do an experiment so when he realised DS was running around from the table, instead of dealing with it, he just got out his iPad that he brings over and let him have that instead.
We have had the mother of all tantrums this morning because DS expected a screen. I have tried to discuss with my husband how this will have confused DS and it’s undermining a decision made with his best interests. DH has gone in a huff with me about it and defended his dad. How can I take this forward with everyone? I’m not the best at articulating when I’m annoyed about something!