My girls have temper tantrums every time we eat

Every time DH or I wants to eat something, both babies go into hysterics. They both will start to whine and roll around on the floor and then crawl over to where we are eating and pull up on our legs, demanding some of our food. We only eat after we've fed the girls. Does this mean that they aren't getting enough at meal times and we should give them some of what we're eating because they need it? Or by giving them some are we just reinforcing this negative behavior of whining and fit throwing?

Maybe part of the problem is that we aren't all eating at the same time? But since I spoon feed the girls at meal times and give them finger foods I can't really eat at the same time as them. Should I stop spoon feeding them baby food and only give them finger foods and move their highchairs to the dining room? Right now they're in the back room b/c it's the biggest room of the house.

Is there any way we can get them to stop?

Advice is greatly appreciated, it's really annoying how we have to hide from them or wait until nap time to eat.

 

DH and I havent eaten a meal with the kids since DD was born. Too much going on and I would rather sit and relax at dinner instead of feeding and cleaning babies and a toddler. So I dont think you have to eat together to solve the issue. Why not let them have a bite of something they might like? Or put some fresh fruit on your plate knowing they are going to ask for a bite and then you have something for them ready. I think it might be more of a novelty and maybe it would wear off?

 

We only very rarely eat a meal together with the kiddos. Like Rachel, I do like to just sit and enjoy my meal Now that they're eating pretty much what we eat, it's not as big a deal.

And I hate to say, that my girls still harrass me when I'm eating! Whether they've just eaten or not. So, I usually share. I think part of it is just wanting to do what you're doing and the other part is your attention is on something else and they want it on them!

 

What we've been doing is giving them some puffs or something - like that's what we're eating. My mom saw the highchairs in our back room and made this comment about how important it is to have family meal time so maybe that's why I'm feeling uncertain about it.

 

If they were in their high chairs while you were eating it would perhaps eliminate some of the behavior. I would try feeding them as usual, then putting their high chairs next to where you will be eating and give them something to taste, or snack on while you eat. Since our plan was to always have a family dinner, we had the girls right there in their high chairs next to the table when we had dinner. The transition to them eating table foods went pretty smooth.

My thinking is that if something isn't working, try something else. You will eventually find something that works somewhere between what you want and what they want. Adjustments are tough for everybody. Hang in there.

 

I would put them in the highchairs at the table with you and dh while you eat and give them finger food and bits of what you are eating. That should keep them occupied enough so you can get through dinner. Better then two whining babies begging and pulling at your legs
I think this would start a great dinner time routine.

 

QUOTE(somebunniesmom @ Sep 11 2008, 09:43 AM) [snapback]974825[/snapback]
of the behavior. I would try feeding them as usual, then putting their high chairs next to where you will be eating and give them something to taste, or snack on while you eat.


This is what I do in restaurants and it helps a lot. I should do this at home too. Usually, I'm just shoveling food in as quick as I can!

 

I have two lil beggers too. I've given them bites and then they push and pull hair to get closest to me and I end up eating practically nothing. So now if I'm not willing to share, I will put them in their chairs and give them a snack. DH and I were so amazed that last week when we went out to dinner, they ate so nicely while we were all sitting down. We never eat together because DH doesn't come home until right before their bedtime and I'm glad to see we aren't the only one who doesn't do 'family dinners.'

 

I feed them while DH finishes up or go gets dinner. We eat while they are in their high chairs with puffs or mummums. If they aren't in their high chairs then they are in their walkers and they are little beggers and those things are dangerous! We usually hand out puffs or stuff from our plate to the walkers to keep them busy.