Crying At Lunch Time

[playfelt]

The foods you are serving might be common but it all the other things and especially if his old caregiver made a big deal of everyone at lunch together - he sees everyone else and is reminded of who isn't there - his caregiver and all of his other friends. It is easier to forget those issues when you are busy with toys and everyone is all over the room. Your plates, cutlery, his cup, his bib, tray, chair, the actual table are all different. Maybe you cut the toast into rectangles and he is used to triangles - all kinds of things can set a child off.

Rather than cater and dwell on what used to be it is better to work with what is. Let him cry if he needs to, over time what he has now will become normal to him. Maybe offer him choices if you have them such as do you want a red plate or yellow plate. Make sure the food isn't touching on his plate so he can eat the parts he likes and leave the piles he doesn't.

Whenever we moved (military) the kids would go through a grieving, sulking, finally acceptance process. Staying matter of fact and moving on myself helped them move on faster - hence the advice to not dwell on what was or you end up with a pity party of lament but instead embrace the new reality and make it fun and desirable and they do come around.