Parents should focus on positive interactions. They should also include all children in the conversation. Parents can, for example, discuss what their children did that day. Parents should always pay attention to good behavior and good manners throughout the meal whenever possible. Parents should give their children only small portions of food that they are sure can be eaten.
Parents can always give their children more if they ask for more of any one item.
Parents should try to serve a variety of foods. Parents should offer dessert to children only if they finished their meal. Parents should also try to limit snacks, and should offer them only if the last meal was finished. Parents can use a portable kitchen timer to indicate when the meal is over, if this becomes a problem. When the bell rings, the table should be cleared regardless of whether the children are finished.