Dinner Hour…aka…Toddler Power Hour

Yes, the take-it-or-leave-it approach works with 3-year-olds. Key strategies include:

• Offer a balanced meal with at least one or two items he likes.
• Include a “no thank you bite” to gently encourage tasting new foods.
• Remember that toddlers eat small amounts frequently; a healthy snack before bedtime ensures they don’t go hungry.
• Don’t use dessert as a bribe—let the food itself be the focus, not external rewards.

Regarding leaving the chair repeatedly:

• Allow him to get down if he insists, and clear his plate as a natural consequence.
• Consistency is key—after a few times, he will learn that staying seated is part of mealtime.
• Use these moments to enjoy a few minutes to talk with your partner, modeling calm and connection.
• Family meals should be shared; avoid separate meals for parent convenience, if possible.

Additional Positive Discipline strategies:

• Keep conversations pleasant and engaging during meals.
• Involve your child in meal preparation with meaningful tasks.
• Let him choose the vegetable or type of starch to encourage participation.
• Focus on introducing a variety of foods, not enforcing consumption.
• Respect his appetite and hunger cues; he will naturally eat what his body needs.