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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Serving One Meal Component at a Time
mamamanda 05:53 PM 01-21-2016
For those of you who serve one component at a time, how do you decide when to serve the next food? Not sure I want to go this route, but I'm considering it. I have a couple I know will not eat their veggies though even if that is all thats offered. Do you just wait a certain number of minutes before serving the next thing, or wait until most have eaten? I was thinking the veggies might be more appealing to them if that's the only thing available at the beginning of the meal when everyone is hungry. I've been trying to get creative and serve meals that have the veggies included in the entree so they are kind of "tricked" into eating them, but I have a couple that will just refuse to eat. Today we had veggie omelettes for lunch and dcg refused to eat even a bite. She got down and waited for the next meal. And she likes omelettes! She just didn't want veggies. 
I wish it just didn't bother me.
I wish it just didn't bother me.
daycare 06:48 PM 01-21-2016
I've done it this way for 12 years
Our rule is veggie first, protein, grain, fruit milk last.
You just try two hurts of each and when you have you can move on to your next item.
Works very well for me. 😀
Our rule is veggie first, protein, grain, fruit milk last.
You just try two hurts of each and when you have you can move on to your next item.
Works very well for me. 😀
midaycare 06:56 PM 01-21-2016
Lunch time is an event here. It takes me awhile to cook some days. So I usually start out with fruit or veggie, and then another component, then another, etc.
sharlan 07:07 PM 01-21-2016
Originally Posted by daycare:
I've done it this way for 12 years
Our rule is veggie first, protein, grain, fruit milk last.
You just try two hurts of each and when you have you can move on to your next item.
Works very well for me. 😀
Technically not allowed on the food program.I've done it this way for 12 years
Our rule is veggie first, protein, grain, fruit milk last.
You just try two hurts of each and when you have you can move on to your next item.
Works very well for me. 😀
I did it this way for years, 1 item at a time. After I joined the food program my fantastic eaters started eating only fruit. I started giving them larger veggie portions and smaller everything else. It took me over 6 mos, but they're eating great again.
daycare 07:14 PM 01-21-2016
Originally Posted by sharlan:
Technically not allowed on the food program.
I did it this way for years, 1 item at a time. After I joined the food program my fantastic eaters started eating only fruit. I started giving them larger veggie portions and smaller everything else. It took me over 6 mos, but they're eating great again.
this is true, however, I have cleared it with mine and she said as long as I am putting each component on their plate according to the required serving size she will allow it.Technically not allowed on the food program.
I did it this way for years, 1 item at a time. After I joined the food program my fantastic eaters started eating only fruit. I started giving them larger veggie portions and smaller everything else. It took me over 6 mos, but they're eating great again.
NoMoreJuice! 09:17 PM 01-21-2016
I missed something, I've never heard of serving one component at a time. It seems like many of you do this, can you explain it to me? What benefits do you see, do the kids eat veggies better? I've always served all plates with all components at the same time. I have a carboholic in my group that will eat bread and almost nothing else, is this a good solution for him? Please fill me in ladies! 
Josiegirl 02:51 AM 01-22-2016
I know this isn't what you asked but I'd never do it because 3 out of my 5 dcks wouldn't eat anything. I used to think 'if they eat great, if not then there is always next time' but now I'm of the mindset they need to eat something just so they won't be hungry and grumpy for the next 2 hours. I won't give them 2nds unless they've eaten most of what they have but if they just cannot stomach broccoli or peas, I'm not gonna sweat it. I watched my own kids going through not eating veggies during their growing up years and they eat just fine now. In fact, for years they refused milk too. Let's face it, kids are just strange.
With my particular group all I can foresee is mealtime would be a crying fussy time and that's not what I want to deal with.
I used to think 'if they eat great, if not then there is always next time' but now I'm of the mindset they need to eat something just so they won't be hungry and grumpy for the next 2 hours. I won't give them 2nds unless they've eaten most of what they have but if they just cannot stomach broccoli or peas, I'm not gonna sweat it. I watched my own kids going through not eating veggies during their growing up years and they eat just fine now. In fact, for years they refused milk too. Let's face it, kids are just strange.With my particular group all I can foresee is mealtime would be a crying fussy time and that's not what I want to deal with.
laundrymom 02:56 AM 01-22-2016
With my current setup it's just how I serve the meal. I don't "wait" for all of one to be eaten but I potty everyone, get them to the table. Serve milk, then veg. Give the infant a few bites, serve the protein, give the infant a few bites. Rinse and repeat. If they ask for seconds I ask them to finish what they have and be patient while I feed the infant his. Then I start off with seconds of veg. UNtil all my stash is gone. Then fruit or whatever until I'm out of food.
They know to be patient because there are ten of them and one of me.
I don't stress over food. Either they eat. Or are hungry. If they're grumpy, they sit by themselves. I can't micromanage ten little
Tummies. I ensure the under 12 mo crew eat enough. Everyone else self feeds on their own with their peers. I encourage but never nag.
They know to be patient because there are ten of them and one of me.
I don't stress over food. Either they eat. Or are hungry. If they're grumpy, they sit by themselves. I can't micromanage ten little
Tummies. I ensure the under 12 mo crew eat enough. Everyone else self feeds on their own with their peers. I encourage but never nag.
mamamanda 04:10 AM 01-22-2016
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
I know this isn't what you asked but I'd never do it because 3 out of my 5 dcks wouldn't eat anything. I used to think 'if they eat great, if not then there is always next time' but now I'm of the mindset they need to eat something just so they won't be hungry and grumpy for the next 2 hours. I won't give them 2nds unless they've eaten most of what they have but if they just cannot stomach broccoli or peas, I'm not gonna sweat it. I watched my own kids going through not eating veggies during their growing up years and they eat just fine now. In fact, for years they refused milk too. Let's face it, kids are just strange.
With my particular group all I can foresee is mealtime would be a crying fussy time and that's not what I want to deal with.
I'm so on the fence with it b/c of this very reason. My own 4yo ds is the pickiest eater I've ever met. It is absolutely my fault. He had weight issues as a baby and his dr pushed us to increase calories and feed whatever he would eat. He now will only eat a few foods and sometimes refuses those b/c he just doesn't want them. He says he doesn't like anything new even though he's never tried it. I know this isn't what you asked but I'd never do it because 3 out of my 5 dcks wouldn't eat anything.
I used to think 'if they eat great, if not then there is always next time' but now I'm of the mindset they need to eat something just so they won't be hungry and grumpy for the next 2 hours. I won't give them 2nds unless they've eaten most of what they have but if they just cannot stomach broccoli or peas, I'm not gonna sweat it. I watched my own kids going through not eating veggies during their growing up years and they eat just fine now. In fact, for years they refused milk too. Let's face it, kids are just strange.With my particular group all I can foresee is mealtime would be a crying fussy time and that's not what I want to deal with.
In an effort to fix this I've taken the eat or don't eat approach and try to make lunch a no pressure battle free zone, but he consistently chooses one item on his plate and that's it. Then he is grouches b/c he's hungry. I feel like I need to insist he try things, at least outside of daycare, but I really want meal times to be comforting family time not a battleground.
Now I have dcks that refuse to eat so many things as well which is just reinforcing his behavior since they don't want it either. One dcg says, "No veggies," like she's calling them out. My biggest concern is that my 14mo ds is an excellent veggie eater, but this week he's been saying no to his veggies when he sees brother or dcg say no. I feel like if they all have to at least try them then its not a taboo food, kwim? But I completely understand grouchy irritable kids when they don't eat. Ugg...sorry. Turned into a vent.
daycare 07:00 AM 01-22-2016
It's how you do it. I don't make a big deal out of eating ever.
You eat or you don't. I can't and won't force you.
We have about 25 min for lunch time available.
Our two bite club (endorsed by the food program) works with these kids.
I encourage they try to bites just like in the story two bite club, and they can tell me immediately I hate this, or whatever. It always starts out rocky. But if someone tries a new food item, like bell pepper raw. We sing the bell, clap our hands take a picture and send it home. With this kind of attention everyone wants in the club.
If they just down right refuse or I know they hate that food they have tried it before and told me, I still have to serve it. but I will still ask them wanna try today and if they say no I serve the next item.
You eat or you don't. I can't and won't force you.
We have about 25 min for lunch time available.
Our two bite club (endorsed by the food program) works with these kids.
I encourage they try to bites just like in the story two bite club, and they can tell me immediately I hate this, or whatever. It always starts out rocky. But if someone tries a new food item, like bell pepper raw. We sing the bell, clap our hands take a picture and send it home. With this kind of attention everyone wants in the club.
If they just down right refuse or I know they hate that food they have tried it before and told me, I still have to serve it. but I will still ask them wanna try today and if they say no I serve the next item.
Blackcat31 09:48 AM 01-22-2016
Two bites, one bite, serving components at different intervals, charts, clubs, rewards etc.........
It's all too much hubba balloo for me....
I just put everything on their plates at one time.
I encourage them to start with their cold/fresh veggies first but if they don't. Oh well.
I don't serve seconds of anything unless the whole plate is clean.
Milk is not served until mid-way through the meal. If they drink that, they can have water when they are completely done eating.
I dont have food battles and will not engage in any type of creative methods of "encouraging" them to eat. I've found that the LESS I discuss or focus on food and eating well the better the kids actually eat.
My food program rep has commented many times on the wide variety of veggies and foods my DCK's eat.
I have 10-12 kids daily and not single one of them are picky eaters. Many of them started out that way but it rarely lasts long.
It's all too much hubba balloo for me....
I just put everything on their plates at one time.
I encourage them to start with their cold/fresh veggies first but if they don't. Oh well.
I don't serve seconds of anything unless the whole plate is clean.
Milk is not served until mid-way through the meal. If they drink that, they can have water when they are completely done eating.
I dont have food battles and will not engage in any type of creative methods of "encouraging" them to eat. I've found that the LESS I discuss or focus on food and eating well the better the kids actually eat.
My food program rep has commented many times on the wide variety of veggies and foods my DCK's eat.
I have 10-12 kids daily and not single one of them are picky eaters. Many of them started out that way but it rarely lasts long.
racemom 11:39 AM 01-22-2016
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Two bites, one bite, serving components at different intervals, charts, clubs, rewards etc.........
It's all too much hubba balloo for me....
I just put everything on their plates at one time.
I encourage them to start with their cold/fresh veggies first but if they don't. Oh well.
I don't serve seconds of anything unless the whole plate is clean.
Milk is not served until mid-way through the meal. If they drink that, they can have water when they are completely done eating.
I dont have food battles and will not engage in any type of creative methods of "encouraging" them to eat. I've found that the LESS I discuss or focus on food and eating well the better the kids actually eat.
My food program rep has commented many times on the wide variety of veggies and foods my DCK's eat.
I have 10-12 kids daily and not single one of them are picky eaters. Many of them started out that way but it rarely lasts long.
This is how I do it. I serve everything and if the want more of one component it is only after they eat everything on their plate. I have toddlers, so if it becomes a battle, nobody eats. My attitude is, eat or don't it doesn't matter to me, but if you want more you need a clean plate. I have only 1 picky eater, and she is slowly coming around because she is not getting her way and I refuse to give in to herTwo bites, one bite, serving components at different intervals, charts, clubs, rewards etc.........
It's all too much hubba balloo for me....
I just put everything on their plates at one time.
I encourage them to start with their cold/fresh veggies first but if they don't. Oh well.
I don't serve seconds of anything unless the whole plate is clean.
Milk is not served until mid-way through the meal. If they drink that, they can have water when they are completely done eating.
I dont have food battles and will not engage in any type of creative methods of "encouraging" them to eat. I've found that the LESS I discuss or focus on food and eating well the better the kids actually eat.
My food program rep has commented many times on the wide variety of veggies and foods my DCK's eat.
I have 10-12 kids daily and not single one of them are picky eaters. Many of them started out that way but it rarely lasts long.
Unregistered 11:41 AM 01-22-2016
The only thing I do different is serve a half portion for my kids who routinely only eat one componant. If they finish they get the other half.
mamamanda 06:52 PM 01-22-2016
Today ds started in saying he wasn't eating any of his lunch again. He liked what was served, but just didn't want it. I said, "I'm not fighting you to eat, you can decide if you're hungry or not. But if you choose not to eat your lunch I'm not giving you any other food at snack time. You can eat your lunch." He thought for a minute and then started eating his broccoli. Just a coincidence, my mac n cheese meal took longer than everything else so I was still finishing that, but had the rest of the food on the plates. He ended up eating 4 helpings of broccoli and about a tbsp of peanut butter. When I offered the mac n cheese he was too full to eat it! My ds filling up on veggies! That has never happened before! It might not happen again, but I'm calling today a success. After asking to be excused he said, "Will I be allowed to have snack food at the next meal now?" 
Also, we read the Two Bite Club book today and he enjoyed it. Thank you for the recommendation Daycare!
Also, we read the Two Bite Club book today and he enjoyed it. Thank you for the recommendation Daycare!
Josiegirl 03:04 AM 01-23-2016
Wow Mama, I'm glad that worked! Hmm, maybe I'll have have a change of heart and give it a try. And 4 helpings? Must be he just needed to be pushed over the hurdle to give it a try and found out it wasn't poisoned.
Unregistered 12:34 PM 01-23-2016
it's good you got DS to eat his healthier food first, but in reality, we can't really threaten to withhold a snack at the next snack time during childcare hours, right?
Josiegirl 12:37 PM 01-23-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
it's good you got DS to eat his healthier food first, but in reality, we can't really threaten to withhold a snack at the next snack time during childcare hours, right?
But she wouldn't have been with-holding a snack, he would have had food to eat? It just would have been lunch leftovers. it's good you got DS to eat his healthier food first, but in reality, we can't really threaten to withhold a snack at the next snack time during childcare hours, right?
Blackcat31 01:08 PM 01-23-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
it's good you got DS to eat his healthier food first, but in reality, we can't really threaten to withhold a snack at the next snack time during childcare hours, right?
it's good you got DS to eat his healthier food first, but in reality, we can't really threaten to withhold a snack at the next snack time during childcare hours, right?
Participating in the food program for the daycare is one thing but as a parent I will feed my child as I see fit. If it didn't meet the food program guidelines
I just wouldn't claim him then.
renodeb 10:56 PM 01-23-2016
That's a strange method. I have never served the meals that way. I have to admit that sometimes I with hold the fruit until some headway is made on the meal.
Deb
Deb
Unregistered 01:19 PM 01-24-2016
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
But she wouldn't have been with-holding a snack, he would have had food to eat? It just would have been lunch leftovers.
Oh you're not hungy? I'll save your food for snack then.But she wouldn't have been with-holding a snack, he would have had food to eat? It just would have been lunch leftovers.
Unregistered 01:49 PM 01-24-2016
This is just me....but this would drive me crazy. I'm of the mind, make food, serve food, kids eat or not. I don't worry about. I cook mostly from scratch, very little convenience food but still kid friendly in mind.
I will serve more if the child generally is a good eater and hasn't finished everything. If child only eats carbs or fruit I do hold off on seconds.
I will serve more if the child generally is a good eater and hasn't finished everything. If child only eats carbs or fruit I do hold off on seconds.
mamamanda 04:21 PM 01-24-2016
Yes he would still have food available. I would never withhold food from any child, especially with him being underweight. I just told him I would save his lunch for snack time rather than serving him the same snack as everyone else. I try to serve healthy snacks, but they are still more "snacky" foods. Raisins and string cheese, fruit and peanut butter, crackers with organic lunchmeat, etc. Those are his preferred foods and he's started refusing all veggies in general. Wouldn't be as big a concern with a dck. That's their parents' battle, but seeing as he is my child I care very much that he's refusing the veggies.
Also, I serve meals that meet the requirements of the food program, but I am not on the food program. So it never occurred to me that not offering lunch at snack time would be an issue.
Also, I serve meals that meet the requirements of the food program, but I am not on the food program. So it never occurred to me that not offering lunch at snack time would be an issue.
mamamanda 04:22 PM 01-24-2016
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Participating in the food program for the daycare is one thing but as a parent I will feed my child as I see fit. If it didn't meet the food program guidelines I just wouldn't claim him then.
Participating in the food program for the daycare is one thing but as a parent I will feed my child as I see fit. If it didn't meet the food program guidelines
I just wouldn't claim him then.
Nisaryn 08:34 PM 01-25-2016
Only recently started doing this since I decided to let them 'self feed'. I serve one meal component at a time but this is only because since I take infants only...it can get REALLY messy, really fast! It's just easier for me to clean them up and make sure they are actually eating their food (one little guy insists on grabbing big hand-fulls and shoving them into his face...not his mouth...his face...so if I only offer one thing at a time I'm more able to see how much he is actually getting into his body, LOL. I'm also on the Food Program and I've talked with my agent about this and she is ok with it since they are infants (11m, 9m and 8m).
Laurel 08:47 AM 01-26-2016
I haven't read all the responses but I served the veggies first simply to get them started while I was still preparing other things. It kept them happy and occupied while I was finishing up the other components. If they ate the veggies fine and if they didn't, I just served them the rest when it was ready. But mostly they'd eat the veggies or at least some of them because they were simply hungriest then and the rest of the lunch wasn't ready (or they didn't know it was). No milk until the rest was served. If they were thirsty then some water so they wouldn't fill up on milk and not eat.
P.S. I didn't participate in the food program as I always thought it was a hassle.
P.S. I didn't participate in the food program as I always thought it was a hassle.
Unregistered 09:06 AM 01-26-2016
Originally Posted by Laurel:
I haven't read all the responses but I served the veggies first simply to get them started while I was still preparing other things. It kept them happy and occupied while I was finishing up the other components. If they ate the veggies fine and if they didn't, I just served them the rest when it was ready. But mostly they'd eat the veggies or at least some of them because they were simply hungriest then and the rest of the lunch wasn't ready (or they didn't know it was). No milk until the rest was served. If they were thirsty then some water so they wouldn't fill up on milk and not eat.
P.S. I didn't participate in the food program as I always thought it was a hassle.
I like this. Would make preparing easier also.I haven't read all the responses but I served the veggies first simply to get them started while I was still preparing other things. It kept them happy and occupied while I was finishing up the other components. If they ate the veggies fine and if they didn't, I just served them the rest when it was ready. But mostly they'd eat the veggies or at least some of them because they were simply hungriest then and the rest of the lunch wasn't ready (or they didn't know it was). No milk until the rest was served. If they were thirsty then some water so they wouldn't fill up on milk and not eat.
P.S. I didn't participate in the food program as I always thought it was a hassle.
Laurel 10:02 AM 01-26-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I like this. Would make preparing easier also.
That's originally why I started and then I discovered "Hey they are eating more veggies."I like this. Would make preparing easier also.
thrivingchildcarecom 10:04 AM 01-26-2016
What we do is to require the kids to at least try (meaning 2/3-3/4) each course before moving to the next course. I started this early on because you are so right they won't be inclined to eat the veggies if something more to their liking is right there in front of them. Because this is an everyday practice, the kids get use to it and know that they can't just jump to the fruit or sweet stuff.
Another thing I have used for years is the "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook that came out years ago. In fact this morning I made the Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins w/carrot puree and believe me I can barely get them out of the oven before the batch is gone. I use this concept in many of the things I cook for the DCK's. I have the most success with getting in the veggies in other ways like this. I know it isn't the raw way, but lets leave something to the parents. At least we can get some veggies into them.
Oh one more thing; whenever I see the juices on sale that incorporate the full serving of fruits and veggies, I snap up a few as well.
Another thing I have used for years is the "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook that came out years ago. In fact this morning I made the Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins w/carrot puree and believe me I can barely get them out of the oven before the batch is gone. I use this concept in many of the things I cook for the DCK's. I have the most success with getting in the veggies in other ways like this. I know it isn't the raw way, but lets leave something to the parents. At least we can get some veggies into them.
Oh one more thing; whenever I see the juices on sale that incorporate the full serving of fruits and veggies, I snap up a few as well.
caligirl 12:19 PM 01-26-2016
I have all their food ready, but feed them their veggies and protein first. Like a restaurant would give you your salad first then after most of them have eaten that, I give them the rest. I have a few who are at the picky stage so I wait until the good eaters are finished before giving them the rest of their lunch.
I have one boy here, 17 months, who likes to stuff handfuls of food in his mouth. That just drives me nuts. He apparently does that at home too. He is a bottomless pit. He'd eat all day if he could. So with him, I have to sit by him and give him one bite at a time on his plate so he won't shove everything into his mouth at once
then after most of them have eaten that, I give them the rest. I have a few who are at the picky stage so I wait until the good eaters are finished before giving them the rest of their lunch.I have one boy here, 17 months, who likes to stuff handfuls of food in his mouth. That just drives me nuts. He apparently does that at home too. He is a bottomless pit. He'd eat all day if he could. So with him, I have to sit by him and give him one bite at a time on his plate so he won't shove everything into his mouth at once
Brittany 01:06 PM 01-26-2016
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Two bites, one bite, serving components at different intervals, charts, clubs, rewards etc.........
It's all too much hubba balloo for me....
I just put everything on their plates at one time.
I encourage them to start with their cold/fresh veggies first but if they don't. Oh well.
I don't serve seconds of anything unless the whole plate is
clean.
Milk is not served until mid-way through the meal. If they drink that, they can have water when they are completely done eating.
I dont have food battles and will not engage in any type of creative methods of "encouraging" them to eat. I've found that the LESS I discuss or focus on food and eating well the better the kids actually eat.
My food program rep has commented many times on the wide variety of veggies and foods my DCK's eat.
I have 10-12 kids daily and not single one of them are picky eaters. Many of them started out that way but it rarely lasts long.
This is almost exactly what I do, I just don't have the patience for making a big deal every time the eat something new. Two bites, one bite, serving components at different intervals, charts, clubs, rewards etc.........
It's all too much hubba balloo for me....
I just put everything on their plates at one time.
I encourage them to start with their cold/fresh veggies first but if they don't. Oh well.
I don't serve seconds of anything unless the whole plate is
clean.
Milk is not served until mid-way through the meal. If they drink that, they can have water when they are completely done eating.
I dont have food battles and will not engage in any type of creative methods of "encouraging" them to eat. I've found that the LESS I discuss or focus on food and eating well the better the kids actually eat.
My food program rep has commented many times on the wide variety of veggies and foods my DCK's eat.
I have 10-12 kids daily and not single one of them are picky eaters. Many of them started out that way but it rarely lasts long.
Blackcat when you first get them, do they eat their lunch or does it take a few weeks?
Also how many of the kids will clear their plates for seconds? I have one little girl (3yr) who was an excellent eater, now she will just sit and watch other kids eat.And play at the table, won't eat and will even skip snack if it's something she doesn't like. I don't make a big deal of it, but hopefully its just a phase.
Blackcat31 01:27 PM 01-26-2016
Originally Posted by Brittany:
This is almost exactly what I do, I just don't have the patience for making a big deal every time the eat something new.
Blackcat when you first get them, do they eat their lunch or does it take a few weeks?
Also how many of the kids will clear their plates for seconds? I have one little girl (3yr) who was an excellent eater, now she will just sit and watch other kids eat.And play at the table, won't eat and will even skip snack if it's something she doesn't like. I don't make a big deal of it, but hopefully its just a phase.
I usually get them pretty young so they "pick up" on the other kids' habits fairly fast. This is almost exactly what I do, I just don't have the patience for making a big deal every time the eat something new.
Blackcat when you first get them, do they eat their lunch or does it take a few weeks?
Also how many of the kids will clear their plates for seconds? I have one little girl (3yr) who was an excellent eater, now she will just sit and watch other kids eat.And play at the table, won't eat and will even skip snack if it's something she doesn't like. I don't make a big deal of it, but hopefully its just a phase.
If I get them over age 2.5, I have the most trouble but I just continue on doing what I always do and they either join in the others eating well or they remain "pickers" but I dont make a big deal out of it and just go about my business as usually.
Occasionally, I will reward the others (3 or 4 gummy bears or a holiday treat like a Hershey Kiss) but will tell them it's because they had such a great attitude and were willing to at least try something new..... rewarding those that do those things works MUCH better than trying to have or use a consequence or punishment (I do NOT like that word associated with food/meals etc) for the kids that don't eat or have poor attitudes about what we are eating.
If I have a case of more than one picky eater on a certain day, I make sure snack is something SUPER fun for those that did eat and then I will offer only fresh veggies with dip to those that were picky.
Most my kiddos eat 2nds and sometimes 3rd's if I have enough. I have 2 right now (one girl/one boy) that will both be 4 yrs old this summer....they are the first ones done hands down every day no matter what I serve.
Average meal times here are approximately 30-45 minutes.
I actually have issues with the lightening fast eaters because I feel they really aren't as hungry as they are wanting to beat everyone. I've actually had to have the DCB (mentioned above) wait for others to catch up so he isn't always the one that gets the seconds or thirds that are left.
Brittany 02:30 PM 02-02-2016
Thanks for the ideas. The 3yr old that is suddenly picky is a girl I have had since she was 4mo old. Its bizarre to me why this has come out of nowhere, mom and dad says she is doing this with them. Mom also mentioned that dad is very persistent with her when she won't eat so I am thinking it may be a control issue and that if I ignore/don't push that it will go away in a few days/week.