4 yrs old Meal Time Issue

[playfelt]

Making a toddler try a new food is one thing but at what point do you allow a child to determine that they really don't like a certain food or type of texture and be able to say no thank you - these are 4 year olds afterall. That is a lot of trying potentially.

I don't have the take a bit rule but I do have the finish what is on your plate before dessert since that is an extra for those that are still hungry and not one of the basic food groups on their plate. After the last child that is going to has eaten, been cleaned up and left the table, I just declare the meal over and too late to finish eating. The plate is removed and the child is washed and sent off. I don't force them to eat, but don't reward them for not eating either. Everyone comes to the table and is served a plate of food and is free to eat, stare at it, whatever just not toss it, dump it, or play in it - if you are over 18 months. They also have to sit politely and just look at it - playing and it gets removed - it is a meal not a toy.

As mentioned for 3 months I wouldn't push it. But one reminder that we eat and then get dessert is all that is necessary. Then if he is the last one at the table which he likely will be every day, clean up around him and then say ok fine meal done. Then let him go. The others won't know he didnt' take a bite.