I have somehow fallen into some sort of sick summertime trap with my kids. (Aged 7, 6, 4, and 1 just to give some perspective on the situation.)
They get up first thing wanting t.v., wanting books, video games, toys, etc. They get so distracted by all these things that when I call “breakfast is ready!” from the kitchen they will proceed to bum-rush me, eat 2 bites of their eggs and then disappear again, practically ignoring my pleas for them to come finish their food.
Then comes lunchtime and the cycle repeats itself with half eaten sandwiches and barely touched carrot sticks.
Dinner time hits and I will think, they have to be hungry by now! Nope. Mashed potatoes made into mountains, pushed around peas, and half eaten chicken are left cold on the plates.
We finish our days activities, take baths, read and I call for them to all potty and brush teeth. This is where the whining and begging comes in.
Mommy, I’m hungry. Mommy, can I have snacks? Can I finish my dinner? I didnt get to eat yet!
Whose fault is that? Certainly not the woman who spends a good 50% of the day in the kitchen.
Tonight when they started I gave them each a fruit cup and as calmly (because they had already worked my nerves for around 45 minutes) as I could explained starting tomorrow night the kitchen is closed at 7 p.m. No more snacks before bed.
(This rule does not apply to the baby)
I sincerely hope after a few days of the eat now or you’ll regret it later technique meal times will go a lot smoother.
If nothing else I bet they’ll eat in the mornings.
Dreaming of calm 