I finally found a way to get my boys to stay at the table and eat. Of course they have no problem eating snacks. But when it comes to eating lunch and dinner, which are usually pretty healthy, they balk. Well at least the four year old does. Our oldest son is the exact opposite. He eats everything I put in front of him, except mushrooms and the tops of asparagus. Our allergy child, however, is a different story. He practically starts begging to be excused from the table within minutes of sitting down. It's enough to drive us crazy.
I recently started playing audio books or podcasts while we're sitting down to eat. Something strange happened that first night. Not only were the boys quiet, but they were also distracted and eating! I think they became so focused on listening to the story, that their bodies just went into auto mode and started eating. There was no complaining, or begging to be excused. As a matter of fact, when they were done with their meal they stayed seated to continue to listen to the story.
I'm hoping that the newness doesn't wear off. I plan on playing books that I wouldn't want them to read themselves. I find it difficult to get into a book when I already know the ending and I encourage reading every chance I get. I rent the audio books from the library and download free podcasts from itunes. Really simple!
-Elizabeth :)
Do you have similar issues with your kids at dinner time? What do you do to get your children to stay at the table and eat? Do you have favorite audio books that you'd like to share with us?
