https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:56:31 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2909115 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:37:23 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2909115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: Ironically my husband is super extroverted but is actually more prone to zoning out than I am during dinner. Though I think for him it's the "must be plugged in on the latest news all the time" driven lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2909004 Sat, 25 Jan 2020 14:08:16 +0000 wrkbrk 2909004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: Commiserating! I’m an extrovert and am STILL just done by dinner time. My spouse had yelled at me a hundred times to not zone out on my phone when I get home 😳😫 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908963 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 13:06:04 +0000 MrsSRS 2908963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: way to go!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908852 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:50:03 +0000 Grace 2908852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: Yay! I’m so glad it was easier than you thought! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908841 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:43:04 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2908841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grace: we've tried this for two days now and so far thankfully it's been good. I took the group's advice and talked to her about why it would be a good idea not to watch TV (especially since she was the one who brought up feeling too full when she's distracted), and she didn't push back. She ate dinner normally, and we encouraged some pauses (she eats really fast) to make sure we're listening to our bodies, and then she had time to watch a short cartoon after dinner on the TV. So hopefully this sticks. Honestly the biggest challenge with all this is for me because I'm a strong introvert in a very extroverted job and by the end of the day all I really want to do is zone out, so continuing a conversation for another 20-30 minutes is tough but for her health, it's a challenge worth powering through. Thanks to all for your advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908826 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:02:14 +0000 caitcat 2908826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My five year old is a very distracted eater (and just isn't super interested in food) so she's always trying to leave the table. I've tried to get her more involved in setting up for dinner recently to get some buy in with a routine overall. She sets out the silverware and napkins now and one of her chores is helping to clear the table at the end of the meal. I reason it helps her frame mealtime as starting and ending.</p> <p>We also serve some of sides or extras for the meal from the center of the table, which helps her think "beyond" her plate and get a little more involved with the rest of us. We always have a bowl of fruit, bowl of veggies, etc. in the center of the table that's up for grabs for everyone through the meal. </p> <p>I've also decided to let lunch be more casual, even if we're all home. I'm trying to set better examples/firmer boundaries at dinner...but it's just simpler for my mental energy's sake to let things slide at lunch. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908818 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 03:30:45 +0000 Kemma 2908818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grace: yup, </p> <p>Just my opinion but a 6yo is old enough to understand boundaries and have sufficient impulse control to sit calmly at the table for 20-30 minutes. Just put the electronics away, set the table and model the desired behaviour because she’s just doing what you’ve allowed her to do and what she’s seen you doing.</p> <p>And FWIW, I’m an absolutely HUGE believer in eating meals at the table as a family and think it’s so important for adults and children to spend the time connecting and communicating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908811 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:20:31 +0000 Grace 2908811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you have to accept that you have some unpleasant months ahead of you. There is a habit that you want to break, and that is never easy. Make the rule, set a time limit and once that is done, supper is over. She is 6. That is old enough to understand that it’s time to eat, not play. Presumably she eats at school and there is no electronics, so you know she can do it. And if she doesn’t eat, she’ll have a hungry night. So long as she doesn’t have a health issue that would cause concern by not eating (diabetes, underweight, etc). She will learn. And probably eat very well at breakfast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908745 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 06:47:16 +0000 MrsSRS 2908745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When we were baby stepping into this I used a sand timer. We chatted first, then when I had eaten some and wanted the kids to talk less and eat more I read some pictures books to them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908740 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 23:14:00 +0000 ALV91711 2908740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is 6 and he can leave the table when he’s done his dinner. If he says he is full and hasn’t eaten much we leave his food on the table and if he is hungry before bed then he can eat more. We give him around the same portion size each time. </p> <p>I like the idea of involving her in making the new dinner rules. This should help her to follow them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908737 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 22:22:51 +0000 Shantuck 2908737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a table topics type deck of cards we keep by the dinner table to help with engaging our 7 year old. He loves it and will usually be the one to bring the cards to the table. These are the ones we have: Melissa &amp; Doug Family Dinner Box of Questions Game - 82 Conversation Starters on Cards <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XAF9G8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8-7jEbNVEYPQM" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XAF9G8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8-7jEbNVEYPQM</a>. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908734 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:52:04 +0000 luckygirl 2908734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sometimes we listen to audiobooks at dinner, which is not as distracting as watching something, but still engaging enough to get my 6-year-old to sit a little longer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908733 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:13:45 +0000 DillonLion 2908733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Madison43: I cant believe how well it works. It is awesome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908732 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:12:38 +0000 Madison43 2908732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: that is SUCH a great idea. Would not have thought of that at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908731 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 18:51:18 +0000 DillonLion 2908731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are working on this with our 7 year old too! All of us would be happy zoning out in front of the TV/on our own electronics. </p> <p>I put down a huge puzzle on the dinner table and it gives all of us something to do, but we still talk and eat and sit together as a family. It has gone really well. Most of the time she doesn't help with the puzzle, but it keeps the adults entertained and she likes to be with us so she stays put. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908728 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:56:40 +0000 ilovepie 2908728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At dinner we try to talk with DH but at lunch I will often play a short podcast story because I'm talked out with the kids. It's 10 min long or so and after that we can talk about it. But 10 mins is long enough for my kids to eat most of their lunch but not be stuffed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908727 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:48:07 +0000 catgirl 2908727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that at 6 you can make her part of the conversation on what the new rules should be. Talk about why you are making changes and what you hope will happen, then come up with ideas together. </p> <p>We have never allowed screens or electronics at the table. At home we all stay at the table until everyone is done, she is welcome to stop eating whenever she feels satisfied but she has to stay at the table. When DD was little, like under three, she could have a couple of pre selected quiet toys to play with if she finished first. But now the expectation is that we sit together. But we aren't having long drawn out dinners so it doesn't seem like an unfair expectation. </p> <p>We always talk about our day, each saying our favorite thing that we did or that happened - this allows each person to have a dedicated time to talk and keeps everyone else eating. I also use it as a time to discuss the plans for the rest of the day or the next day (depending on which meal it is). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908725 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:25:03 +0000 SweetCaroline 2908725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lately we've been dimming the lights and lighting candles to signal family dinner time. We've been trying to talk about the highs and lows of our day and what we have coming up.</p> <p>Now, we've done this all of 3 times in the past two weeks, but it is movement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908724 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:23:21 +0000 jhd 2908724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1 is almost six and he loves to play guessing games with us. We all take turns. He likes to go first and select a category like vegetables, superheroes, etc. and he gives us clues and we have to guess which one he's talking about. Then we go around the table and DH and I also get a turn. This keeps him sitting at the table. </p> <p>We are working to not rely on screens at mealtime too, so solidarity! I have also seen people work with timers and gradually increase it.</p> <p>ETA I've also thought of using an audio book or something for us all to listen to, but we haven't tried it yet.</p> <p>And we've enjoyed some little conversation starters we got at ChickFilA. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908723 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:07:33 +0000 Corduroy 2908723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: Since she's 6 can you tell her that it's no longer ok to be gadget zombies and you'd like her help coming up with some guidelines for behavior at dinner. She might have some suggestions from school and might enjoy making a no phone rule for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908721 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:05:48 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2908721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Madison43 @GraceandJoy that's totally fair, I definitely don't want her sitting there for the sake of sitting. I like the idea of leaving food out for a little while if she decides she's done and setting a time on it, thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908719 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:47:18 +0000 graceandjoy 2908719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our rule is that you can leave the table once you're full, and we do let them come back to eat more as long as we're still at the dinner table. We let them know when we're done and about to clean up, after that there's nothing else! My kids are 5 &amp; 3; some days the sit there longer and some days not. They know once we clean up, that's it. I don't really have a HUGE expectation of them sitting still the whole dinner as long as they're not being ridiculous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908717 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:44:26 +0000 Madison43 2908717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think this is pretty typical. We are constantly reminding my 6 yo to keep her body in her chair while she eats dinner - she’s a wiggle worm, and is either sliding out, walking around the table, scooting into her sister’s chair, wandering into the kitchen....it’s constant motion. I actually don’t mind if she moves about, but I don’t want her to choke (while she’s literally hanging upside down on her chair) or get crumbs and food everywhere while she tours the house. That said, if she says she’s done, I ask her if she’s full, and if she says yes, I let her go, even if she’s eaten very little. I always leave dinner on the table for another hour or so after we are done, just in case she changes her mind. But we also don’t allow toys or electronics at the table (and no phones for adults) so it’s not the most exciting place to be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-keep-kid-at-the-dinner-table-6-yo#post-2908716 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:37:03 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2908716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For as long as my daughter has been an independent eater, we've allowed her to watch cartoons on an iPad during dinner because otherwise she would be too distracted to sit still long enough to eat. And then we let this habit go on a really long time because many times we'll be fried from a full workday and will zone out on our own phones/reading during dinner. We really need to break this habit because my daughter is becoming less attune to her body and is eating more than she really needs to (by her own admission - she has said multiple times in the past few weeks that she's too full/uncomfortable/etc) because she's distracted by the TV, and frankly we just need to stop being zombies at the dinner table all around. However, she is still fairly easily distractible and without conversation or some kind of engagement, she just won't sit long enough to eat, so I also don't want to create the opposite problem of her bouncing off before she's eaten comfortably because she'd rather do something else. </p> <p>So, wondering if folks have any ideas for how to make dinner time engaging enough that she will eat thoughtfully but not be a full-on distraction? I have tons of conversation prompts that I can call upon, but she's a big talker and gets really excited to tell whatever story and again, doesn't eat and then dinner drags on for hours. I'd love to find some balance between not being fully distracted and not distracted at all, especially being an introvert myself who's usually really fried after a workday too. Thanks! </p>