Crap parenting or ADHD?

[Mronionsbridge]

Ds(3) will not sit down to eat. Will not. Eats a mouthful, walks a circuit, back for another mouthful, another circuit.

It is really starting to drive me a bit insane. It’s so irritating and there’s food all over downstairs.

But he sits fine at nursery, cafes, birthday parties so I don’t think it’s ADHD. I’ve tried insisting he sits by removing the food but it doesn’t work and I’m at a loss and really fucked off!

Sorry to break this to you...BUT sounds like a pretty normal 3 year old.

I do think you would be better served to adjust how you view the behaviour, may help you respond more positively.

If you still need to use a high chair do so.

I would also suggest turning off TV and any distractions eg (devices) put your phone away an concentrate on bub. Typically at that age they want your attention.

Expect some mess.

P.s kids can be annoying and messy lol even the big ones 😂

Yeah I agree with PP. I like good manners and routine but my 3 year old would wander around the room and come past every now to receive a mouthful of food from a fork I held out to him. He wouldn't eat otherwise.
He has lovely manners now, a few years later, don't worry!
This is one of those battles I wouldn't pick.

I agree with above. Most three year olds do this!

Same. Make meal times really, really short

I think pick your battles at this age. My 3 year old does the same, I'm happy as long as he eats at this point.

Do NOT apologise people you have set my mind at rest massively. I have had a tough day and am probably certainly overreacting.

lol - well very normal - but also my kids have ADHD / ASD lol ... though it didn't show its face til they were much older than 3 .. enjoy the chaos

He's 3. He won't still be doing it at 21. FWIW my DD insisted on standing on her chair to eat at all meals from about 2 to 3. Now she is a teenager and she can't even get out of bed for a meal!

We have a points system for sitting at the table (which is the only place food is allowed to be eaten). Day starts with 5 points. Lose a point every time you get up from the table while eating (or without asking after everyone has finished). Lose all 5 points and lose a treat from the treat box (2 a week allowed).

One of mine used to be up and down at the table during mealtimes when small… it doesn’t happen much any more now. I saw an OT about it all many years ago, she suggested making them do frog jumps and other exercises that worked the big muscles in the thighs to ‘get some of the energy out’ before sitting down to eat / work.

Yep totally normal. I don’t really care much anymore. As long as my kids eat enough I couldn’t really care much about if they sit like adults at a table esp in their own home