I Said No Way But
I did family style today. It went really well but I didn't have any of my babies here. But, I think I will try it for a while. Picture are on fb (MrsSteinelsHouse) I want to eventually move them to real plates and glasses. But I love the divided plates especially for those kids who don't want anything to touch and they know the portions of what goes where.
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Kids really like it. I have to talk parents into doing it overweek. Glad it went well!
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Originally Posted by littletots: |
Originally Posted by Blackcat31: |
Originally Posted by Angelsj: Not the coffee table or a TV tray in front of the TV or the backseat while on the way somewhere. Eating at the same table at the same time as a family. I guess I am still in the mindset that, that IS the most common method of eating.... I have a few families that eat on the go or in front of the TV but for the most part dinner time in my area still means everyone eating at the same time. Regardless of who dished up your plate. :D |
Originally Posted by Blackcat31: I was thinking letting the kids dish up food from bowls on the table as family style. Between my eight and all the dcks that have been around during the years, it was just too much effort and not enough table space. :) |
Originally Posted by Angelsj: |
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse: I can just see the looks on some of my mom's/dad's faces if I suggested that. :lol: |
I've been doing this for about 4 years now. My kids love it. I love it because it has really cut down on the amount of food I waste. For food program, instead of having to put a full serving on each plate, it only has to be in the bowl. So for right now I have 4 kids. 2 eat pretty well and 2 barely touch their food. Instead of putting a serving on each plate and needing to have extra for the ones that are still hungry, I can put 4 servings in the bowl. I teach them to "take what they are going to eat" and if they say they won't eat it, I make them take a tiny bit. So the rest of the serving for those that aren't going to eat it can be given as seconds to those that are still hungry. Same for milk. I only have to put the required servings in the pitcher. If they choose to only pour 2 sips of milk because that's all they are going to drink, then there is extra for anyone who wants more - after they eat their food of course.
It's also great for hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills ;) |
1 Attachment(s)
This was today's lunch-
https://www.facebook.com/MrsSteinels.../?l=9b67329659 |
The food program wants us to serve family style. To fp that means kids dish their own, with all serving dishes on the table and prefers the provider sits to eat with kids too.
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Most dcp serve children at home. Family style per regs is like picture. Child learning to pass serving dishes, serving themselves.
I had a sign made from seller off esty. Barbie movie saying. "Take what you need, but never in greed." |
Serve family style meal
So do you ever have a time when someone takes too much of something and there is not enough for everyone? oR what do you also do with the ones that refuse to even try a certain food?
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Originally Posted by Unregistered: Just curious. I can see this going badly with the group I have.:rolleyes: |
Originally Posted by littletots: |
Originally Posted by Unregistered: I use a spoon that is the correct serving size for that food item. If it's peas for example and 1/2 cup is the serving size then the spoon I use is only a 1/2 cup. I have each child take only their serving. If they get a heaping spoonful, it's okay because I put a little extra in the bowl. I don't do anything for the ones that refuse to try food. Everyone takes their serving size on their plates. Eat what you want but there is no seconds of anything until the plate is clean. If you eat everything but the peas there is still no seconds. Eat or don't eat. I don't care. I do NOT fight with kids in regards to eating things. That's one area where there IS a natural consequence. ;) Peer pressure is a fabulous thing with little kids. If you have one good eater that can lead the way the others usually follow. I've had entire groups of kids (10-12 daily) that eat everything every day without any issues for years now. I think the last picky eater I had is a high schooler now :) |
How old are the children who are able to serve themselves? My group is three and under, I have 6 and an infant. I can't see the two year olds being able to serve. But if the 3yo did it, the little ones would want to as well....I guess the key would be to try and eventually they'll get it. Two of my dck have been super picky and wouldn't even touch a veggie. Now that I've had a new 3dcb who eats broccoli by the pound, the little ones are trying it and even saying that's good I like it! Peer pressure is real in this dc house!
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Originally Posted by Unregistered: The youngest I have at the table right now is 18 months. They've been at the table and out of the high chair since 12 months. The key is to "guide" them. I will do hand over hand serving with the littlest ones or the ones that struggle. Letting them do most the work but guiding the "small motor skills" until they can master it on their own. The other trick to it is all child sized serving bowls, spoons and pitchers. I sometimes put only one serving of milk in the little plastic pitcher so one child can pour their own and then I refill it for the next kid or two...depending. You just really have to know your kids' skills and where their at when doing family style. It's definitely a nail biter some days but the skills they learn are SOOOO valuable that it's worth a little bit of spilled milk or a few rolling out of control peas. ;) |
I have thought about doing this. But what do you do about the times when kids don't want something and won't take even a try me bite of it? And I have to say I am a bit afraid of the mess. Has anyone had issues with huge messes?
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Originally Posted by Thriftylady: They do not have to eat or try anything but ALL the components must be put onto their plates. It IS messy but so is childhood and the better or more skilled they become the less messy it is. ;) |
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