I Said No Way But

[Blackcat31]

So do you ever have a time when someone takes too much of something and there is not enough for everyone? oR what do you also do with the ones that refuse to even try a certain food?

If I have 6 kids, I put 7 or 8 servings in the serving bowl.

I use a spoon that is the correct serving size for that food item. If it's peas for example and 1/2 cup is the serving size then the spoon I use is only a 1/2 cup. I have each child take only their serving. If they get a heaping spoonful, it's okay because I put a little extra in the bowl.

I don't do anything for the ones that refuse to try food.

Everyone takes their serving size on their plates.

Eat what you want but there is no seconds of anything until the plate is clean. If you eat everything but the peas there is still no seconds.

Eat or don't eat. I don't care. I do NOT fight with kids in regards to eating things. That's one area where there IS a natural consequence.

Peer pressure is a fabulous thing with little kids. If you have one good eater that can lead the way the others usually follow.

I've had entire groups of kids (10-12 daily) that eat everything every day without any issues for years now.

I think the last picky eater I had is a high schooler now

[Unregistered]

How old are the children who are able to serve themselves? My group is three and under, I have 6 and an infant. I can't see the two year olds being able to serve. But if the 3yo did it, the little ones would want to as well....I guess the key would be to try and eventually they'll get it. Two of my dck have been super picky and wouldn't even touch a veggie. Now that I've had a new 3dcb who eats broccoli by the pound, the little ones are trying it and even saying that's good I like it! Peer pressure is real in this dc house!

[Blackcat31]

How old are the children who are able to serve themselves? My group is three and under, I have 6 and an infant. I can't see the two year olds being able to serve. But if the 3yo did it, the little ones would want to as well....I guess the key would be to try and eventually they'll get it. Two of my dck have been super picky and wouldn't even touch a veggie. Now that I've had a new 3dcb who eats broccoli by the pound, the little ones are trying it and even saying that's good I like it! Peer pressure is real in this dc house!

Anyone old enough to sit at the table is allowed to serve themselves.

The youngest I have at the table right now is 18 months. They've been at the table and out of the high chair since 12 months.

The key is to "guide" them. I will do hand over hand serving with the littlest ones or the ones that struggle. Letting them do most the work but guiding the "small motor skills" until they can master it on their own.

The other trick to it is all child sized serving bowls, spoons and pitchers. I sometimes put only one serving of milk in the little plastic pitcher so one child can pour their own and then I refill it for the next kid or two...depending.

You just really have to know your kids' skills and where their at when doing family style. It's definitely a nail biter some days but the skills they learn are SOOOO valuable that it's worth a little bit of spilled milk or a few rolling out of control peas.

[Thriftylady]

I have thought about doing this. But what do you do about the times when kids don't want something and won't take even a try me bite of it? And I have to say I am a bit afraid of the mess. Has anyone had issues with huge messes?

[Blackcat31]

I have thought about doing this. But what do you do about the times when kids don't want something and won't take even a try me bite of it? And I have to say I am a bit afraid of the mess. Has anyone had issues with huge messes?

They have to take a serving of everything.

They do not have to eat or try anything but ALL the components must be put onto their plates.

It IS messy but so is childhood and the better or more skilled they become the less messy it is.