How to Feed your Two Year Olds without Fuss

How to Feed your Two-Year Olds without Fuss

I have a two year old daughter and one of my ordeals" is feeding her. I started giving her cereals when she was six months old. We were very happy because every time we feed her, she eats with gusto. I must say that a box of 250g cereal lasted for only 2-3 days. She was just about 24 weeks then. But that appetite died away when she turned two.

I must admit that when feeding time comes, there would always be a struggle between the two of us. I would catch her up hiding behind the bed, run after her as she tries to hit the food. Sometimes, just to be able to feed her, we would just play pretend; I will keep on talking just to wander her attention from the food as she slowly opens her mouth while listening to my nonsense stories. That is usually the scene. And that was before. Now I have found tips that would make feeding my daughter fun and easy. I would like to share some with you.

Appropriate Time

Timing is essential in feeding your child. Feed her in at least the same time each day. She will develop eating habit on a specified time. Also, don't' feed her if you know she will not likely eat. Do not give snacks and after an hour, you are preparing your lunch. To guarantee that she will eat during mealtime, it is better not to give food at close intervals with the planned meal.

Food Presentation

Prepare food in the most attractive manner for your child. Remember, children like attractive things as they see these as potential toys. So prepare food with a playful theme.

You may serve sunny side up egg topped with carrots sliced in circles to form as eyes and nose.
Hotdogs placed in the plate forming a smiling clown.
Rice topped with chopped veggies and minced meat and sprinkle a little amount of sauce to add color
Sauted tuna spread over the pancake with sweet sauce. Spread the sauce in a smiley like shape.

Family Time

Always eat together as a family. Arrange a seat for your child in the dining table. Your child imitates what you do. So if she sees you eating, she'll do the same. She will have the idea that once seated in the table, you are going to eat.

Taking time to eat

Do not rush your child to finish her food. Most child in their two's take 20-30 minutes eating. So do not get irritated if she eats at a snail's pace. Some child's palate is not yet adjusted to different textures of foods. So let your child savor her meal.

Plan on the menu

Do not offer the same food practically every day. Plan your menu. Also, do not prepare food that only adults can eat like hard to digest and spicy foods. Remember, your child eats with you, so make sure that everyone share the same food.

Provide Utensils

Your child will likely eat if she has her own cutleries. Not only she would be encouraged to eat, but she will also be trained on how to properly hold her spoon, fork, and glass. Note: provide plastic wares and not porcelain ones.

Shun Away Distractions

Meal time is not play time. So put away all toys and turn off television. Your dining table should be angled away from the entertainment room so there will be no intermissions" during meal time. In addition, if your child is having problems eating with you in the dining table, prepare her own table, let her sit, and give her food. However, if she refuses to eat alone, you may assist her. But remember, she must stay in place. No running around the house.

If there is one aspect of child care that I didn't realized would be difficult, that would be feeding my two-year-old. Before, no breakfast, lunch or dinner without a scene-- Me shouting, because she keeps on running around the house and escapes in her own way or she, crying because I'm shouting. But as the days progress, I am learning in my own experience. Now, my daughter eats with us with no fuss at all. The dining table is serene. All because I have applied those guides mentioned above. I hope I was able to give sensible tips to mothers who have the same feeding experience with their child the way I had.