Originally Posted by 284878:
Believe me I did just this, I just tell her okay and walk away. I don't let her go play instead I make her sit there during the meal until everybody is done. (We all stay at the table until everybody's done)
Why? I know many providers have this rule but I am wondering why?
I think 9 out of 10 times it creates the power struggle.
What's after lunch? If kids don't want to come to the table to eat, then they can go directly to the next activity. Here that is rest.
Not hungry?
Don't like what we are eating?
Don't want to sit?
Then go lay down.
Originally Posted by 284878:
What I'm having trouble with is the logic behind it? What's the point in saying you like something but then refusing to eat it or asking for something and then not eating it?
Like the other day I made peanut butter sandwiches for snack. I asked her if she wanted jelly she said no and requested honey. I put honey on the sandwich, everybody sat down and ate except for her. Her sandwich was tossed untouched. I said nothing to her during the meal about eating the sandwich or after about throwing it away.
I just don't get why she does this?
She is doing it for the reaction/attention/control.
Stop playing.
Just serve what you serve.
Don't ask her if she has any special requests or if she likes anything or not.
That ^^ is where you are handing the power to her.
Unless you are a short order cook, YOU decide what's on the menu and then serve that. No edit, no alteration or additions/subtractions. Those choices are a privilege she has yet to earn at your house.