Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
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.
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.
I have the kids sit at the table until everyone is done for two reasons:
1. Good manners
2. If one child leaves to play, the other kids tend to follow even if they aren't done eating. If they all sit together to finish the meal, even the kids who initially wouldn't eat anything might pick at their meal or even eat a good part of it. I WANT them to eat it because I want to instill good eating habits and want them to learn to like vegetables and other things that they might not eat at home (I have one parent who doesn't buy ANY vegetables for their home because none of the 5 members of their family will eat them-he DOES eat them here, especially broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans).