How to Deal with Meal Time Tantrums

Sulking in front of one’s plate can mean different things depending on age.

From 0 to 6 months
If baby refuses to feed or take the bottle it is not an act of provocation - he is tired, unhappy or even unwell. If he persists go straight to your doctor.

From 6 months to a year
When introducing solids, if baby sulks about his soup or stewed fruits, relax - it will not last! Around this time refusals are frequent and normal. The introduction of vegetables then small pieces of meet must be done progressively. You must remember that baby has to adapt to eat these new foods.

Around 2 years
Children between the age of 2 and 7 years may start refusing meals they ate without problems before, or become difficult at mealtimes. Wait few days before offering the same food, and present it in a different form. For example perhaps they are ready for carrot to chew instead of pureed carrot.
Mix vegetables with pasta, hide stewed fruits in 'fromage frais', add a little grated cheese to the soup to enhance the taste.

The key to a serene meal
It is hard to stay 'Zen' when faced with baby’s tantrum at the table. To satisfy one’s little one at every meal is truly miraculous but one must not give up and give him chocolate biscuits that he adores instead of the stewed fruits planned for desert.

The menu must be the same for the all family. All the family need to set a good example. If baby sees that mother eats spinach but father does not, he will copy what he likes best - generally his father’s way.

Allow baby to taste but not necessarily finish the dish

If mother loses her cool, the child may well dig his heels in. Punishing him by refusing to give him a dessert if he has not eaten his vegetables is not a solution. Instead encourage your child to taste and congratulate them. Food should never become the object of conflict or blackmail.

If he has difficulty finishing what is on the plate and becomes excited, he is no longer hungry; take his plate away without any comment.

Finally, recognise that your child is an individual with his own taste. He may not like the same foods as other family members.

Another secret is to have your child involved in the meal preparation. Allow them to taste and touch ingredients, get them to help to lay and clear the table. The more involved they feel the more likely they are to try new things and to eat what you are eating without problems.