Page 1 - Demo

Save food for later in smaller portions. Freezing leftovers in smaller portions lets us thaw only what we needlater. Ice cube trays or silicone bakeware are helpful tools for freezing in smaller portions.Teach your toddler that if they throw food, that they are telling you that it%u2019s time to put their food away foranother time. They will learn that throwing food is not allowed.Let them help make food with you. Toddlers are good at dumping and stirring.Mealtimes are a wonderful way for everyone to reconnect. Aim to have at least one meal together at the tableevery day.Many parents view the toddler years as both joyful and challenging. Your toddler really likes to be with you. At thesame time, they are eager to make choices and feel independent. Make sure there are times in your day when yourtoddler is involved in direct play with you as well as independent play in the same room. For example, this canhappen during meal preparation. Allow your child to play with some kitchen utensils and pots on the floor while youwork. Playing alongside you encourages your child%u2019s increasing sense of self and independence.Toddlers are just beginning to have an interest in other children. They do not instinctively know how to make friends.Toddlers may push or grab as a way of making contact. Children are not able to understand the concept of sharinguntil 2%u00bd-3 years of age. Your toddler will learn social skills while playing with one child or in a group. It may take timefor your child to get used to a new situation. Supporting them in a caring confident manner will help them feel secure.Enjoy this special time with your terrific toddler!Your toddler probably loves to be independent, making decisions onwhat to wear, what to do, and what to eat! Let them make as many ofthese decisions as you can, especially when it comes to food andeating. Everyone will enjoy mealtimes more when you choose whichfoods to offer and your toddler decides how much they want to eat.Don%u2019t force them to eat if they are not hungry. Mealtimes should be arelaxed time for everyone.Your toddler is not growing as quickly these days. There will be dayswhen they barely eat anything, and days when they are very hungry.This can be frustrating and expensive if food has to be thrown away.Save time, money and the environment by taking these steps toreduce food waste:Offer small portions at snacks and meals with an option to have alittle more if they are still hungry.Only put a small amount of new foods on their plate. Serve newfoods with more familiar foods. Your toddler may need to beoffered new foods many times over before they decide to trythem, but they are more likely to try something new when they seea food they know well.Use leftovers for another meal, either serving them again or addingthem into something new.