Dr. Bob: How do you get a toddler to sit down for dinner at the table without screaming when you live in an open floor plan where all toys and the tv are easily accessible?
Answer: It is very important to set reasonable guidelines for family activities. And dinner is especially one of those times. For toddlers to be fully engaged, we must set the stage for success. We know that they will easily shift their attention to various things at a moment’s notice. First, let’s remove the distractions that cause the toddler to think about doing something other than eating. Put the toys away or at least remove them for sight. Next turn the TV off and leave it off. The TV provides no benefit at mealtime when children are involved. Over time, they will learn that the TV is not on when it is mealtime.
It is best for everyone to eat together and have everyone model the same behavior. So that the toddler can concentrate on eating under the direction of a parent, all adults and older sibs should not be watching TV. Cell phones should also be put aside so everyone can concentrate on the task at hand – eating together as a family and minimizing outside interruptions. This seems so simple but so hard to do in today’s world. Unless you are waiting for an emergency call, phone or text messages can wait.
Our modern-day interferences (TV and cell phones) can be detrimental when trying to teach young children how to do what and when we want them to do it. Toddlers might be upset when we change things (put the toys away and turn off the TV) but a calm response will eventually win out and positive change can occur.
Dr. Bob: I’m a great grandmother for children ages 6 months to 10 years of age. What gifts do you suggest? I lean toward age-appropriate magazines and books.
Answer: I love your leanings! Other that the overt expressions of love and nurturing, books are one of the most important gifts early in life. Books become a focal point of interaction between parents and children. During checkups in the office, I often declared to the children and families that “books are your ticket to the world!” I stand by that statement today. Studies have proven that in families where more verbal exchange occurs (reading together, reading aloud) that those children are more likely to enter school prepared for the challenge and ready to learn.
In Greenwood County, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiative distributes books monthly to all children that sign up free of charge from birth until 5 years of age. With generous support from individuals and businesses, the Emerald City Rotary Club has led the efforts here. They recently noted that as of early July 2023, there are 1,655 children in the program, which is about 41% of all children under age 5 who live in Greenwood County. Also, 1,202 children have reached their 5th birthday and graduated so they have served 2,857 children altogether. They have mailed a total of 62,126 books!
It is often said the milk builds strong bones for children. I don’t think that it is a stretch to say that “books build strong brains.” So, keep those books coming for your great grandchildren!
Dr. Saul is Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) at Prisma Health and his website is mychildrenschildren.com. Contact Dr. Bob at askdrbobsaul@gmail.com