Taming Table Tantrums

For many families, the dinner table has become a war zone. Because there are so many emotions tied up in how we feel about food and eating, these feelings can mold your child’s relationship with food in ways that we never even suspected. Counselor and parenting expert, Emilie Vogas M.Ed, discusses some of the common issues that come up around food including picky eating, over eating, eating disorders as well as the “rules” that govern how we approach mealtime (sitting at a table vs. in front of the television) or what kind of etiquette we observe (chewing with your mouth closed, etc.) In order to pass on healthy eating habits it’s important for parents to examine their own relationship with food. Was it punitive? (“You can’t leave the table until you’ve finished everything on your plate.”) Shaming? (“There are starving children who would give anything to have what’s on your plate.”) Privileged? (Throwing a tantrum until mom makes you mac and cheese for the hundredth time.) Ultimately, we want to acknowledge and respect our children’s autonomy over their own bodies without becoming a short order cook. It’s our job as parents to teach them (and model) how to have a healthy relationship with food and eating. In the podcast we reference some resources you may want to check out. If you are facing food insecurity, we encourage you to look up food assistance programs on your State’s website and look at the WIC program website or the Food Assistance website. Table Topics (www.tabletopics.com/products) These are conversation starters for family discussion that help keep you and your kids off of screens at mealtime. For those unable to afford these conversation decks, consult your local library for lists of conversation starters. Emilie Vogas is available for private consultations and workshops: 1-646-241-7775 [email protected] www.EmilieVogas.com