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MissAnn 02:07 PM 03-07-2016
First off....no judging and no right or wrong answers.....
3-5 year olds
Let the kids tear their food apart....such as tacos, hamburgers and sandwiches
Or
Expect they leave their foods intact.
3-5 year olds
Let the kids tear their food apart....such as tacos, hamburgers and sandwiches
Or
Expect they leave their foods intact.
Miss A 02:15 PM 03-07-2016
I cut into manageable portions, with the intention of teaching them to leave the portions whole and learn to eat them that way.
Josiegirl 02:18 PM 03-07-2016
If the kids will eat them by taking apart sandwiches, etc., then by all means, go for it. 
But if they're tearing apart tacos I'll make sure they use silverware to eat the hamburger filling.
But if they're tearing apart tacos I'll make sure they use silverware to eat the hamburger filling.
NillaWafers 02:19 PM 03-07-2016
No I don't, and it drives me bonkers when kids do. I do cut it down. I have on DCG who likes to break her sandwiches down and just lick the mayo off the bread. She does this with everything (toast, celery and PB), if it can be licked off, it will be. 
sharlan 02:19 PM 03-07-2016
I try to serve in manageable portions. I cut everything prior to serving. I cut sandwiches into quarters or even eighths for the littles.
For some reason, they all like to take their grilled cheese sandwiches apart and eat them that way.
My almost 9 yo grandson has to tear everything apart whether or not it's cut.
For some reason, they all like to take their grilled cheese sandwiches apart and eat them that way.
My almost 9 yo grandson has to tear everything apart whether or not it's cut.
MissAnn 02:23 PM 03-07-2016
Originally Posted by Miss A:
I cut into manageable portions, with the intention of teaching them to leave the portions whole and learn to eat them that way.
This is what I've been thinking of doing. I have 6 super duper eaters and one who just wants bread and cheese. Tomorrow is hamburgers made with whole wheat bread. I'm prettynsuremshe will pull it apart....but smaller pieces might not seem as intimidating. I guess time will tell.I cut into manageable portions, with the intention of teaching them to leave the portions whole and learn to eat them that way.
MissAnn 02:27 PM 03-07-2016
Originally Posted by NillaWafers:
No I don't, and it drives me bonkers when kids do. I do cut it down. I have on DCG who likes to break her sandwiches down and just lick the mayo off the bread. She does this with everything (toast, celery and PB), if it can be licked off, it will be.
Oh that would drive me crazy! Part of what,we are doing is teaching social skills....manners. I just don't think pulling apart a meal someone made for you is good manners. On the other hand.....if it helps them to try smaller pieces of undesirable foods......then that's a plus.No I don't, and it drives me bonkers when kids do. I do cut it down. I have on DCG who likes to break her sandwiches down and just lick the mayo off the bread. She does this with everything (toast, celery and PB), if it can be licked off, it will be.
Ariana 02:34 PM 03-07-2016
It's their food so I don't tell them what to do with it besides encouraging good social etiquette like using their utensils.
ColorfulSunburst 04:24 PM 03-07-2016
I solve the problem. I do not provide sandwiches and wrapped food.
Unregistered 04:50 PM 03-07-2016
They can eat it however they want. Do you want people telling you how to eat your food?
MissAnn 05:09 PM 03-07-2016
Originally Posted by ColorfulSunburst:
I solve the problem. I do not provide sandwiches and wrapped food.
I do a lot of deconstructed food. Usually homemade sopes made from masa harina and then taco fixings.....some like it all mixed together and others like individual items. I might do this with the hamburgers.I solve the problem. I do not provide sandwiches and wrapped food.
MissAnn 05:12 PM 03-07-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
They can eat it however they want. Do you want people telling you how to eat your food?
I find it poor manners to take apart foods served. That's just me....maybe you don't mind.They can eat it however they want. Do you want people telling you how to eat your food?
e.j. 05:17 PM 03-07-2016
As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
MissAnn 05:21 PM 03-07-2016
Originally Posted by e.j.:
As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
My kids are all 3-5 years old. I would be more lenient on younger ones as well.....but I'm also leaning more towards deconstructed meals.As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
jenboo 05:36 PM 03-07-2016
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
If the kids will eat them by taking apart sandwiches, etc., then by all means, go for it. But if they're tearing apart tacos I'll make sure they use silverware to eat the hamburger filling.
This.If the kids will eat them by taking apart sandwiches, etc., then by all means, go for it.
But if they're tearing apart tacos I'll make sure they use silverware to eat the hamburger filling.
Snowmom 05:50 PM 03-07-2016
Does anyone know the psychology behind this action?
I'd be really curious to know why so many kids do this.
Maybe some form of discovery?
Drives me nuts too.
Today we ALL made french bread pizzas together. When they were done & sitting down to eat, three of them started picking off all the cheese and eating it, then the sauce, then the bread. Makes me wonder why we went through the trouble to melt it. ;/
I'd be really curious to know why so many kids do this.
Maybe some form of discovery?
Drives me nuts too.
Today we ALL made french bread pizzas together. When they were done & sitting down to eat, three of them started picking off all the cheese and eating it, then the sauce, then the bread. Makes me wonder why we went through the trouble to melt it. ;/
Hunni Bee 06:37 PM 03-07-2016
I really try to discourage it because 1) it takes them longer to eat when they have broken it into 50 tiny bits and 2) it makes more of a mess, and 3) it increases the likelihood of them not eating everything when they suddenly have 7 components instead of 4 because they've separated everything.
We only have 30 minutes to set up, serve, eat, clean up and return the cafeteria to the way we found it.
It really has almost everything to do with not throwing my schedule off.
We only have 30 minutes to set up, serve, eat, clean up and return the cafeteria to the way we found it.
It really has almost everything to do with not throwing my schedule off.
Josiegirl 02:18 AM 03-08-2016
Originally Posted by e.j.:
As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
This is the way I feel about it. To me, 3 is still little. But if they're using hands to eat peas and rice, that gets corrected. As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
I have 2 sisters, 3 and 4 who did that yesterday. I'm always telling them to use your silverware! I have 19 mos that were using their spoons yesterday better than those 2.
LysesKids 04:14 AM 03-08-2016
Originally Posted by sharlan:
I try to serve in manageable portions. I cut everything prior to serving. I cut sandwiches into quarters or even eighths for the littles.
For some reason, they all like to take their grilled cheese sandwiches apart and eat them that way.
My almost 9 yo grandson has to tear everything apart whether or not it's cut.
Yeah, what is it with littles and the taking apart of grilled cheese? Mine do it but they are babies & toddlers lol. They like the cheese then eat the toasty partsI try to serve in manageable portions. I cut everything prior to serving. I cut sandwiches into quarters or even eighths for the littles.
For some reason, they all like to take their grilled cheese sandwiches apart and eat them that way.
My almost 9 yo grandson has to tear everything apart whether or not it's cut.
Baby Beluga 05:53 AM 03-08-2016
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
This is the way I feel about it. To me, 3 is still little. But if they're using hands to eat peas and rice, that gets corrected. I have 2 sisters, 3 and 4 who did that yesterday. I'm always telling them to use your silverware! I have 19 mos that were using their spoons yesterday better than those 2.
I HATE this! I swear the children here don't use silverware at home, because they always start to eat using their fingers vs the silverware sitting right next to them. At 3 and 4 years old. Also chewing with mouths open. Same children. No health issues. It's so gross. This is the way I feel about it. To me, 3 is still little. But if they're using hands to eat peas and rice, that gets corrected.
I have 2 sisters, 3 and 4 who did that yesterday. I'm always telling them to use your silverware! I have 19 mos that were using their spoons yesterday better than those 2.As far as taking apart food goes. I don't mind. I usually serve things deconstructed with the exception of PB and deli meat sandwiches. The PB's are eaten whole and the deli sandwiches are usually taken apart. As long as they eat it, I'm okay with it.
Josiegirl 10:12 AM 03-08-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
I HATE this! I swear the children here don't use silverware at home, because they always start to eat using their fingers vs the silverware sitting right next to them. At 3 and 4 years old. Also chewing with mouths open. Same children. No health issues.
I made my 4 yo very upset towards the end of lunch today. She wouldn't stop eating with her mouth fully open, putting a show on for all the other dcks. After warning her twice to stop, I took the rest of her lunch right out of her hand and threw it all in the trash. She'd had more than enough and so had I!I HATE this! I swear the children here don't use silverware at home, because they always start to eat using their fingers vs the silverware sitting right next to them. At 3 and 4 years old. Also chewing with mouths open. Same children. No health issues.
Febby 05:56 PM 03-08-2016
Well, in classroom it's usually 20+ kids with two teachers, so as long as it's either in their mouths or on their plates, I don't care if they eat it as a unit or deconstruct it! As far as it being bad manners, well, there are foods at my centers that I won't eat the way they're served so I don't expect my children to.
I do correct them when they're not using their spoon, chewing with their mouth open, etc.
I do correct them when they're not using their spoon, chewing with their mouth open, etc.
childcaremom 01:49 AM 03-09-2016
I think I have a few different thoughts on this.
Why are they taking it apart? Easier to eat. Ok, fine, and next time I will present it in a way that is more manageable.
Is it because they don't like something in it and are avoiding it? Here is where I would waiver a bit. As someone else said, if it stays on the plate and/or gets in their mouth, then generally I would be fine. I have one whose table manners are questionable at best so I would discourage him from doing this, regardless of the why.
So I guess... I don't know!
I guess I would view these foods as items that need to be eaten with hands, therefore might encourage a little rearranging.
Why are they taking it apart? Easier to eat. Ok, fine, and next time I will present it in a way that is more manageable.
Is it because they don't like something in it and are avoiding it? Here is where I would waiver a bit. As someone else said, if it stays on the plate and/or gets in their mouth, then generally I would be fine. I have one whose table manners are questionable at best so I would discourage him from doing this, regardless of the why.
So I guess... I don't know!
I guess I would view these foods as items that need to be eaten with hands, therefore might encourage a little rearranging.
MissAnn 04:38 AM 03-09-2016
Originally Posted by childcaremom:
I think I have a few different thoughts on this.
Why are they taking it apart? Easier to eat. Ok, fine, and next time I will present it in a way that is more manageable.
Is it because they don't like something in it and are avoiding it? Here is where I would waiver a bit. As someone else said, if it stays on the plate and/or gets in their mouth, then generally I would be fine. I have one whose table manners are questionable at best so I would discourage him from doing this, regardless of the why.
So I guess... I don't know! I guess I would view these foods as items that need to be eaten with hands, therefore might encourage a little rearranging.
I have a new girl who only eats bread. She wants to tear the food apart so she won't have to eat the hamburger patty. She has absolutely no protein in her diet. The rest of my kids are excellent eaters although that took some time. I'm hoping with the good examples surrounding her she too will come around. Today we are having spaghetti and she has already told me she wants no sauce on her noodles. I'm torn.....deconstruct or serve as I normally do.....noodles with sauce added to the top. I think the latter. She complains about every meal.....but I told her that when we dont like a food we need to keep it to ourselves. You don't have to eat it, but we use good manners here and don't say yuck or we don't like that.I think I have a few different thoughts on this.
Why are they taking it apart? Easier to eat. Ok, fine, and next time I will present it in a way that is more manageable.
Is it because they don't like something in it and are avoiding it? Here is where I would waiver a bit. As someone else said, if it stays on the plate and/or gets in their mouth, then generally I would be fine. I have one whose table manners are questionable at best so I would discourage him from doing this, regardless of the why.
So I guess... I don't know!
I guess I would view these foods as items that need to be eaten with hands, therefore might encourage a little rearranging.
Unregistered 10:18 AM 03-09-2016
I often serve items separately, with a suggestion that they might taste good eaten together. Toddlers like separated foods so that they are identifiable, hence the attempt to identify by deconstruction.
By serving separately they have, in essence, permission to play with their food, but in a polite way.
So they might have slices of cheddar and provolone, 1/2 slice of whole grain bread cut in half, slices of tomatoes and pieces of lettuce, and apple slices.
Or, spaghetti noodles, tomato sauce, meatballs, grated cheese, and some blueberries.
Or, stir-fried veggies, chicken shreds, rice and pineapple.
They are free to eat them separately, or put them together in any way they choose.
Sometimes the apple slices go into a sandwich with cheese, or the grated cheese is mixed into the tomato sauce. Some of our favorite combinations are things i hadn't thought of, like raspberries and chicken in a lettuce and cucumber salad.They are more invested in trying the foods they have "made" themselves.
By serving separately they have, in essence, permission to play with their food, but in a polite way.
So they might have slices of cheddar and provolone, 1/2 slice of whole grain bread cut in half, slices of tomatoes and pieces of lettuce, and apple slices.
Or, spaghetti noodles, tomato sauce, meatballs, grated cheese, and some blueberries.
Or, stir-fried veggies, chicken shreds, rice and pineapple.
They are free to eat them separately, or put them together in any way they choose.
Sometimes the apple slices go into a sandwich with cheese, or the grated cheese is mixed into the tomato sauce. Some of our favorite combinations are things i hadn't thought of, like raspberries and chicken in a lettuce and cucumber salad.They are more invested in trying the foods they have "made" themselves.
Lovisa 10:37 AM 03-09-2016
Originally Posted by e.j.:
As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
This. As long as they aren't making a big mess, they can eat however they want to. As they get older, they figure it out. Now, if they are taking apart food and purposefully throwing it on the floor or all over the table, they get one warning. If it continues, I tell them "Ok, I can see that you are done eating since you are throwing it on the floor, time to wash your hands and face and leave the kitchen".As long as they're eating the food, I don't care how it gets done. The only problem I have is if the food lands all over the floor - then I'll ask that they be more careful. I work on table manners as needed but focus more on the older kids. The younger kids overhear what I say and learn as they go.
EntropyControlSpecialist 10:54 AM 03-09-2016
I don't care at all either way.
AmyKidsCo 03:34 PM 03-09-2016
I really don't care as long as they don't make a mess all over the table and eat their food. My grandson likes to have all his food mixed together, but he eats it so I don't care. Another dck has to separate everything then eat it one at a time.
Silly Songs 04:09 PM 03-09-2016
I have the three year olds. Every day it's a mess, but it's better than the 2 year old room. I do not care how they eat as long as
1) they eat their own food and not others food
2) they don't throw food around
3) they try to use manners and try to use plastic utensils
1) they eat their own food and not others food
2) they don't throw food around
3) they try to use manners and try to use plastic utensils
delferka 05:03 PM 03-09-2016
Originally Posted by ColorfulSunburst:
I solve the problem. I do not provide sandwiches and wrapped food.
Give me dinner ideas. What do you serve?I solve the problem. I do not provide sandwiches and wrapped food.
ColorfulSunburst 07:14 PM 03-09-2016
Originally Posted by delferka:
Give me dinner ideas. What do you serve?
chicken/turkey/beef meatballsGive me dinner ideas. What do you serve?
chicken/turkey/beef stew
fish-burger, tuna salad
rice/pasta
fried/baked/mash/boiled potato
fresh/steamed/boiled vegetable
soups
fruits
instead of a sandwich I will serve salad+burger+pasta+gravy and kids will eat it by forks.
I care about how kids eat and behave at the table and I do not allow a child to eat in an inappropriate way. My 1.5 yo infants eat by themselves and I do not allow them to take food by their fingers. They use spoons very well. They also drink from only a regular cup.
Baby Beluga 05:52 AM 03-10-2016
Originally Posted by delferka:
Give me dinner ideas. What do you serve?
You can also serve things deconstructed. For example, yesterday we had turkey sloppy joes. I knew if I served it in a sandwich it would be deconstructed by the kids and make a big mess. So I served the meat and bun separate of one another. The children used a spoon to eat the meat and ate the bun with their fingers.Give me dinner ideas. What do you serve?
Alisyn 04:48 PM 03-10-2016
As long as they eat, I'm good with it! 
knoxmomof2 07:35 PM 03-12-2016
For something like a sandwich, as long as they keep the food on their plate they are welcome to eat it as they see fit. Some days you're just not in the mood for ham, or cheese or pickles. If they're rubbing food in their hair, throwing food, acting out or getting into someone else's plate, etc I'm going to intervene- otherwise "you do you". ☺️
Former Teacher 11:31 AM 03-13-2016
I, also, don't care as long as they eat and they use table manners.
When I serve Brussel Sprouts, for some reason, they (I take care of 3 year old twins), like to dip it ketchup. Certainly not my cup of tea, but hey, if they eat, I am all for it!
When I serve Brussel Sprouts, for some reason, they (I take care of 3 year old twins), like to dip it ketchup.
Certainly not my cup of tea, but hey, if they eat, I am all for it!
Febby 05:39 PM 03-13-2016
Originally Posted by Former Teacher:
I, also, don't care as long as they eat and they use table manners.
When I serve Brussel Sprouts, for some reason, they (I take care of 3 year old twins), like to dip it ketchup. Certainly not my cup of tea, but hey, if they eat, I am all for it!
Haha, one of the kids in my last class used to dip pineapple in their ketchup. Totally their choice, as far as I'm concerned, but I could not watch them do it or I'd be too grossed out to eat my own food.I, also, don't care as long as they eat and they use table manners.
When I serve Brussel Sprouts, for some reason, they (I take care of 3 year old twins), like to dip it ketchup.
Certainly not my cup of tea, but hey, if they eat, I am all for it!
Unregistered 11:30 AM 03-14-2016
I also don't mind either way. As long as the food is on the plate or in their mouth, I don't care if it's in 1 piece or 200