How we supported a boy to sit for meal times at childcare

The story involves a three-year-old boy who was refusing to sit down during meal times at childcare. He struggled to sit at the table for meals, resulting in his educators having to follow him around and feed him while he played. To address the issue, we took a fresh approach by completely changing the routine itself.

First, we changed the location in which lunch was served. Next, we removed the food from the table and simply engaged him in play at the table. Only when he was fully engaged in the activity was food placed on the table. From that point, all that was required was for us to start eating the food ourselves while we continued to play at the table. Before we knew it, the boy started eating all by himself.

This strategy proved to be incredibly effective. In just three weeks, the child was able to sit at the table with his peers and feed himself during mealtimes all on his own. Needless to say, his parents and educators were all thrilled about the breakthrough. It’s a great reminder for all of us that the most effective strategies are those which are highly tailored to the individual child. That insight is only possible if there is a deep relationship between ourselves and the children under our care.

This story serves as a wonderful reminder that the most successful strategies are unique to each child and require a deep and meaningful relationship between us and the children we care for.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!