Toddler Pre-Meal Routines
“What’s For Dinner?”
The meal itself tends to dominate our thoughts when we consider the relentless daily question: What’s for dinner? We want to make sure you’re also considering what happens just before dinner. Or breakfast, lunch, or brunch, depending on your family’s schedule.
Transitions can be difficult for anyone but especially for young children. Having a daily ritual to get everyone to the table will do wonders for your patience and the enjoyment of any family mealtime. Toddlers thrive on structure and preplanning, so don’t feel like you’re being strict by ringing a dinner bell or sticking to a set time. Structure of this type isn’t about being disciplined or regimented. It’s about security and a sense of belonging.
What you choose to implement is up to you, but here are some ideas for pre-meal routines:
Plan. Preplan with a menu and a set mealtime time written on the fridge for everyone to see.
Signal. Any kind of signal. Just something you do to let everyone know it’s time to come to the family eating area. It could be a bell, music you play, or just calling everyone together and having them understand the expectation to follow directions.
Creativity. You can decide to incorporate elements of theater or music to get the family moving to the table. Use repetitive songs or chants. If you’re a sporty family, gather “your team in a huddle and call the plays.”
Comfort. Make sure everyone has a comfortable, appropriate seat and surface for their plate.
Toddlers should have:
a booster seat or high chair that allows for an upright sitting position
hips, knees, and ankles at 90 degrees
feet should have a place to rest
table or tray surface at about chest height.
A clear view of family members
Possibly a splat mat or “catch-all” under the toddler’s seat.
Handwashing. Always a good idea before eating.
Purpose. Make each family member feel valued by delegating a particular pre-meal responsibility or two every few days or at each meal. You can rotate a single chore or several chores by assigning one person to set the table for each meal, or one family member can take “drink orders.” Find an age-appropriate job for your toddler to complete at each meal. This is important for developing independence and confidence.
