The Trouble Is...Small Children at Dinner

If you missed the intro for this feature you can read it here.

I am going to keep these posts as concise as I can so we can begin sharing ideas and not get bogged down in too many details:

Issue: We have three children, Braedon (brand new 4), Kaley (2.5), Garrett (8 months...he is really not the issue right now). Dinner time is sometimes a negative experience for our family because Braedon and Kaley just like to play and mess around instead of eating. I don't mind dinner being fun but it gets way out of hand fairly quickly. Unfortunately, it gets to the point of us yelling and them either laughing or crying. We do have plenty of happy and positive dinners. The problem is that we don't have a good plan for when it starts to get out of hand.

Things we have tried: Yelling (no I am not proud of it but I am being real), timeout, dessert and/or other reward, other punishments. Not giving any snacks (food only at breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Other info: They are well trained that they are not supposed to get up from the table without permission. We "set them up for success" with their meal. We don't expect them to eat things they don't like. We give them small enough portions that they won't feel overwhelmed. If they don't eat their dinner, they don't get anything else to eat until breakfast.

I am welcoming all comments with advice and encouragement. You are also welcome to share links and/or book recommendations. The only limitation in comments is to please be kind and let your words be God glorifying.

The Trouble Is...

I have decided to start a new feature on my blog called: The Trouble Is. The purpose of this feature is to share an area where I am struggling and ask for advice from my readers. It is my hope that this will become an interactive feature where everyone can share fresh ideas on dealing with real-life issues. Most of the issues will probably revolve around child-rearing. However, I am not limiting it to that. So, if I have an issue that comes up in a different area of life it could likely be highlighted here. I know there will be readers who have been there and can share their advice. I also know there will be readers who are on their way or right there with me and they can glean some wisdom and encouragement as well.

Coming soon in this feature:
-Small children and dinner
-Dividing time and building one on one relationships
Stay tuned for more...

I am welcoming all comments with advice and encouragement. You are also welcome to share links and book or website recommendations. The only limitation in comments is to please be kind and let your words be God glorifying.