Kids that are done lunch first

[KiddieCahoots]

That actually leads me to another meal time issue. If I gave the fast eaters (the older kids) fruit after they were done, my two younger ones that led to this post would stop eating whatever they were eatin, and expect some as well. Naturally, I'd tell them that they had to finish what was on their plate first, but that LEDs to tantrums 100% of the time, no matter how consistent I am. So no one gets fruit at lunch time. :confused:

I'd try what was previously posted and get the slower eaters started first.
When the faster eaters slow down, chew properly, and use good manners, then they get rewarded with fruit.
I wouldn't insist on the slower eaters having to eat it all before fruit, but encourage to try everything first, before getting fruit.
If they end up not getting their fill on lunch and want more before snack....oh well! They will learn that they have to eat their lunch, or go hungry until snack.

This way you get your fast eaters slowing down a bit, and the slow eaters understanding the consequences of the choice they made.

[AmyKidsCo]

It wouldn't bother me a bit if the kids did that. Doesn't take them long to figure out that they will be hungry if they stop just because someone else did.

I serve family style, except for the toddlers. The first one down washes hands, uses potty if appropriate, then can go play until everyone is done. Sometimes the slow poke (my 4yo granddaughter) ends up listening to story from the table then going straight from table to bathroom to nap mat. Her choice.

I really don't stress about how much they eat or don't eat - I make sure my belly is full and let them worry about their own. That said, I don't sit and eat with them, even though it's recommended. I end up getting up so often it's more of a squats workout than a meal. ::

[SignMeUp]

I serve family style, except for the toddlers. The first one down washes hands, uses potty if appropriate, then can go play until everyone is done. Sometimes the slow poke (my 4yo granddaughter) ends up listening to story from the table then going straight from table to bathroom to nap mat. Her choice.

I really don't stress about how much they eat or don't eat - I make sure my belly is full and let them worry about their own. That said, I don't sit and eat with them, even though it's recommended. I end up getting up so often it's more of a squats workout than a meal. ::

I don't do true family-style either, because I find that I eat once to eat "with the kids" and then eat again for myself :: Not a good plan
I do try to allow them choices of how much and which foods. But I will admit to being old-school enough that I do want them to try everything, even though that doesn't fit with how my FP wants it done right now. I'm sure they'll change their mind again before I'm done with child care ::
My kids are almost all, almost always good eaters And I do no fast food type lunches.
I also have a soft spot for the "slow eater" children, because I am like that myself. When I go out with friends and they want to order food to share, I know I'm going home hungry :: because they eat like vacuum cleaners I can't do that if I try, so I don't expect kids to either. But I do want to move them toward a norm so that they don't turn out like me ::

[KiddieCahoots]

I don't do true family-style either, because I find that I eat once to eat "with the kids" and then eat again for myself :: Not a good plan
I do try to allow them choices of how much and which foods. But I will admit to being old-school enough that I do want them to try everything, even though that doesn't fit with how my FP wants it done right now. I'm sure they'll change their mind again before I'm done with child care ::
My kids are almost all, almost always good eaters And I do no fast food type lunches.
I also have a soft spot for the "slow eater" children, because I am like that myself. When I go out with friends and they want to order food to share, I know I'm going home hungry :: because they eat like vacuum cleaners I can't do that if I try, so I don't expect kids to either. But I do want to move them toward a norm so that they don't turn out like me ::

SignMeUp, don't knock it, you're style of slow eating is so much healthier than vacuuming your food. It gives your body a chance to tell you when your full, and vacuuming your food promotes obesity.
Here on the East Coast, EI workers are starting to recognize the need for more intervention with eating skills. Like I said, I'm noticing a lot of kids that are shoveling it in, without chewing. I had a child that would choke on an average of 2-3 times a week, where I actually had to intervene on several occasions. The problem, dad did the same thing, and if the child didn't eat it quickly too, went without because dad would eat it first. (I had an insider to witness the family) Sad.....so much for family time around the table.

[Heidi]

I serve family style, except for the toddlers. The first one down washes hands, uses potty if appropriate, then can go play until everyone is done. Sometimes the slow poke (my 4yo granddaughter) ends up listening to story from the table then going straight from table to bathroom to nap mat. Her choice.

I really don't stress about how much they eat or don't eat - I make sure my belly is full and let them worry about their own. That said, I don't sit and eat with them, even though it's recommended. I end up getting up so often it's more of a squats workout than a meal. ::

See...I can't do that. I have 4 toddlers. If I let one down, the next wants down, too, and then they tear the room apart while I'm finishing with the others, or come back to the table 20x and distract everyone.

[Kabob]

When I had this issue, I would either make them wait at the table (the older kids who refused to touch their food) or go sit on their nap mat with a book. Depended on the child and how well they followed directions.

If they were stuck waiting at the table, then I would offer them a dry erase marker to color on their plastic place mat with (the cheap ones with pictures and such on it) or they simply would have to wait patiently and be entertained with my wonderful conversational skills. ::

Right now with my younger group, I use the opportunity to stagger bathroom use/diaper changes and allow them to do a quiet activity as long as they stay on their nap mat afterwards. If they can't follow the rules, then straight to nap. Mostly, though, they have learned to sharpen their waiting skills while they wait their turn to leave the table. Only quiet, polite children get to leave the table first.