Daycare.com Forum - View Single Post - I Wanna Eat! I Wanna Eat! I Wanna Eat!

Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
What's the difference if she is saying she wants to eat or go outside or not take a nap or go home?

Doesn't matter what phrase she is repeating, if it isn't time to do what she wants, then it's time to "go play!"

That's the ONLY response she would get from me.

I think because it involves food and her not eating during regular meal times, you are giving her request way too much attention and thought.

Imagine if she said "I wanna stay up" at nap time?
or
"I wanna go outside" when it's not outside time?
or
"I wanna go home" when its not pick up time?
or
"I want it to be Monday" when it's not?

See? Its just words. She is getting a reaction for them.

Give her none. Stick to your routine and when it isn't time to eat, tell her "Go play" or simply repeat back to her exactly what she is saying to you.

Take the meaning out of her repeated phrase.

It takes her perceived power away. Now "Go play!"

I will have to think on this. You may be very right.