Hi

I have a little problem with both of my children. They are very very slow eaters. My DD was very good before but now - they sit at the table (especially b/fast and dinner) and they take over an hour sometimes well over an hour to eat their meal.

Their breakfast is only weetbix or porridge or toast and milk - I have tried cereals and it is the same problem.

I don't know what to do anymore - I have turned the tv off taken anything that's near them that they can play with - but they still just sit there and play with their spoon or play with their hands - (snapping each other's hand). They are driving me up the wall - especially when I have to take DS to kinder at 8.30 and he's still eating breakfast at 8.15 ( I wake him up at 7.00)

DH is very patient with them and just sits there and feeds them - but I can't do that when I'm on my own trying to get his kinder stuff ready and they are old enough to eat by themselves (it never was a problem til a couple of months ago)

so sorry about the long post...

how long do your kids take to eat? any tips on getting them to eat quicker - I have even tried bribing them with lollies (I know i know - I shouldn't ) nothing works though...

DS 04/09/00<BR>DD 27/02/02

I can tell you about us...
I get up at 5am to get lunches ready for school ( I usually make pikelets *rolleyes* well at the moment it's all they'll eat at school! UGH and I rather them eat something they like instead of fighting with them to eat something they don't LOL)
Then I have time to feed Mika his brekky. I have no idea about getting them to eat quicker, and not sure if I would, something tells me it's not right (maybe not, but it's my instinct ;p )
I was also told not to worry toooo much if they take their time to eat...much less painful for all concerned LOL

My DD is almost two and is painfully slow at mealtimes and always has been. However in the last couple of months I have begun to limit the timed allowed for meals to about half an hour. If she's eaten at least 3/4 of her food and is starting to mess about playing with her spoon of whatever, I assume she's 'finished' and I start cleaning up.

LQ

Thanks for your responses.

I just get worried - especially with breakfast - I just want them to have enough to start the day - usually with dinner I'm a bit more relaxed and if they only eat half - it's alright.

thanks again...

May have to do the time limit thing...