Age 3
Children’s Meals (3-4 years)
A meal with the whole family!
Doesn`t it taste better when we all eat together?
Around three years, children begin to use chopsticks and learn to eat like adults. But does it seem like your three-year-old has become even pickier about what she eats? If you know a little about the eating habits of three-year-olds you can enjoy your meals together more.
From Spoons to Chopsticks
- When your child begins to hold spoons and forks like a pencil, always positioning her five fingers in the same way, she will be able to eat skillfully. When that happens, it’s time to move on to chopsticks.
- If you push your child to use chopsticks too early, she may get in the habit of holding them incorrectly, which can be difficult to unlearn.
- Chopsticks made of wood and bamboo grip food better and are easier for children to use.
Has your child gotten pickier about food?
As your child`s senses of taste and smell develop, she may start to dislike sour foods and be influenced by the way food looks. You may be troubled by your child’s likes and dislikes, but if you tell her “It`s good for you” and “It`s yummy,” she may understand and begin eating even foods she doesn’t like. When she does, be sure to praise her a lot so she will continue to expand her tastes.
I love helping!
Children at this age are overflowing with interest in many things. They especially love the kitchen. Don’t turn your child away, saying, “It`s dangerous” or “Later,” but let her start off with small tasks that she is able to do. Take her grocery shopping and say things like, “Oh, this looks yummy!” to help her remember the names of different foods and get her interested in them.
Cutting out cookies
Stringing beans
Peeling onions
Carrying dishes
Setting the table
Shopping together