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07.15.08, 06:22 AM Toddler
10 replies
Is it reasonable to think my twin 2 YOs can be expected to sit at the dinner table with us? We've always fed them first, then ourselves later. tried to have "family" dinner last night and it was nightmare. Any tips or should I just give up until they are 3? I have no idea if it's me or them (or both)! Thanks [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
Toddler 07.15.08, 06:22 AM Flag
 

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you should start building habits now, but have reasonable expectations. for instance, perhaps they would be able to join you at the table for about 5 minutes of sitting time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 06:27 AM Flag
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It's good to start now. We have always done family dinner with both of ours (6 & 2). They get the hang of it pretty quickly. It's not always pretty or warm & fuzzy, but you just hang in there. We try to do "highs" & "lows" each night (of our day). The kids usually set the table (2 y.o. does the napkins). She's learned to say "excuse me" before getting up. Some nights she's really ready to be done at 5 minutes but most nights hangs in there the whole time. If she really is done early then we usually ask that she either sit & keep us company or go to her room to play so we aren't distracted. I think family dinner is one of the very best things you can do for your kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 06:42 AM Flag
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ITA, that's why I'm trying to do it. What do you if the 2 YO acts up at the table? What works? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 06:56 AM Flag
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Well, with our 2y.o. (she's 2 1/2 right now) we have given her a TO for acting up--but that's so rare. I think because she's the second and she's so verbal, she wants to be a part of it. And to be honest, I don't remember w/ DS exactly how it all went. We've just always done it. I do get them involved w/ the food prep & discussion when I can and I think that helps. There's a terrific book on eating, Ellyn Satter's Child of Mine (Amazon has it) that might have some good ideas. And we always all have the same meal--no short order cooking, that's really important to me and cuts down on problems, I think. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 06:59 AM Flag
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Okay thanks. Good ideas. Guess it's just a matter of time and just breaking them in -- as with everything else. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:01 AM Flag
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Are they boys? I hate to stereotype, but it is sometimes harder for DS to sit nicely than DD. Having the Kinderzeat has helped a lot (but w/ 2 that may not be an economical solution). Both of mine were out of the high chair by 18 months and I think more comfortable for it. DD is still pretty messy--DS (the oldest) we call Felix because he's always been so very tidy. She's still learning not to wipe her hands on her clothes. But she feeds herself and manages fine so that's the important part. Just take it one day at a time, don't expect to enjoy it all the time but know that you're doing them a great service in so many way and it will get easier. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:04 AM Flag
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One boy and one girl. Boy is delayed and can't really be expected to sit and eat like a normal 2 YO. We usually put his highchair up to table and spoon feed. So he's restrained! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 07:16 AM Flag
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We have always done family dinner (3yo and 1yo) from the first day they were in a highchair. Our kids seem to enjoy it and are fine when we go out to restaurants etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 06:48 AM Flag
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That's our problem, we didn't start from the get go. Any tips for disciplining when they act up? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.15.08, 06:56 AM Flag
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when they act up anywhere, just remove them from the situation for a few minutes, explain what is going on and then bring them back.......ask them if something is wrong...my DS said one time "my feet can't touch the floor".......we put him at his own table near us and now everyone is fine [ Reply | More
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General Topics 01.06.09, 04:25 AM Flag
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