Breath holding can be a terrifying event especially when a child passes out. A child who has a tendency to holds their breath often does so between the ages of one and three years old.
The most common reason for children to hold their breath is attention seeking. When a child becomes extremely angry or frustrated they may hold their breath and turn blue and may even pass out. Because as a parent you will be alarmed and even frightened you will of course give your child extra attention, cuddles and reassurance. This unfortunately will reinforce the breath holding behaviour. On the other hand you don’t want to totally ignore the child who has passed out.
The best management for these attention seeking tantrums such as breath holding is to distract the child. Divert their attention by doing something to engage their interest. Mind you this doesn’t always ensure you will prevent one of these tantrums. If you child does continue their tantrum, once they have stopped or come too try not to give them too much attention.
If too much attention is constantly given to a child who holds their breath it may develop into a tool for manipulation. When a child sees that their parents will give them what they have been demanding, if they hold their breath, they may begin to use this as a means to get their own way. Give attention to positive behaviour and try to avoid giving too much attention to what may become attention seeking behaviour.
The reassuring news is that a child cannot cause themselves brain damage or die for holding their breath. The worse thing that can happen is that they may fall and injury themselves or in rare occasions holding their breath has been known to cause seizure-like movements. Once these spells are over their body will automatically resume control and they will start breathing again.
If your child has breath holding episodes it is wise to inform your doctor as there may be an underlying physical problem.
It has been thought that anaemia (low iron) may be a cause. A blood test will determine if the child is anaemic and in need of an iron supplement. If your doctor continues to be concerned they may suggest and ECG (electrocardiogram) test.
On the other hand you may have the family history of fainting. This is a less common form of breath holding. A child may cry out or gasps, turn pale and pass out. This usually occurs if the child is in pain or injured. These children are more likely to have problems with fainting later in life.
This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
For more information on similar parenting topics toddler or child behavioural issues including tips on how to cope you may like to read our e-book ‘When the Bough Breaks’ . You can find this on our Publications link.
You would be surprised how much you child understands even from a very early age of nine months. Your child knows when you are displeased by your tone of voice and facial expressions. They know how to get your attention and how to use it to their own advantage as seen in teaching a child to sleep. As their intellectual ability develops, children need to be taught what acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour is. A baby as young as three months learns that it is no longer acceptable to wake for a night feed when he/she should be sleeping from 10 pm to 6 am and will learn to self settle when taught. Therefore as a baby intellectual ability develops and he/she begins to comprehend what is right and wrong, becoming more aware of your displeasure of things, you can begin to attempt disciplining in other areas.
Children under three months are not naughty or misbehave on purpose – they are just trying to communicate their needs such as discomfort or hunger. Babies learn from repetitive activities, so be consistent and persistent with the message you are trying to teach them. With an older child, repeat your request over and over again. Many a time it is not that they are being defiant but just plainly forgetful.
How do you discipline?
When you notice a child is about to misbehave or has begun to misbehave, come down to their level, look them in the eye and with a quiet, firm voice explain what action you would like them to have and what the consequences will be if they continue to misbehave. A child will act out their feeling so it is important to try to understand what is behind their behaviour. Help them to understand their feelings and why they are reacting to a situation and make suggestions that may help them through this problem. If they are at the point of no return and are not willing to listen, then remove them from the situation and give them some time out. Once they have calmed down, give them some time to get over it and later in the day have another friendly discussion about the situation and if possible help them to see a solution.
Helping a child understand their feeling and talking about things will assist them with language and help them to express themselves as they get older.
On occasions when your child’s naughty behaviour may amuse you, try not to show it on your face as they may misunderstand and think you approve of it or seeing the smile as a positive reward and may continue to misbehave to get further attention.
Fairness and Consistency
As in my previous articles, I stress the importance of routines. Having a daily pattern of events helps a child feel safe. They can predict what comes next as they already know the order of events. This can also be related to knowing what is expected of them and knowing how their parents will act in certain situations. Our reactions need to be seen as consistent and fair.
Before disciplining a child we need them to know what is right or wrong and what the consequences are for not doing what is expected of them. As previously mentioned, children learn from copying their parents and others around them. As we act so will our children.
Set a good example and talk to your children when you make a mistake. Admit your mistakes and ask your child to forgive you when necessary. For example when you loose your cool and raise your voice. ‘Sorry mummy shouldn’t have shouted at you. Could you please…?’ Children are very understanding and flexible. You will also be teaching them how and when to apologise.
Discipline
Children need to know what your reaction to their behaviour will be and that it will be fair and consistent.
Make sure you’re not expecting too much from a child. Take into consideration the child’s age appropriate behaviour. For example, young children cannot be expected to sit still for long periods of time.
Although children thrive on routines, they can also handle the occasional change. They understand that one parent does thing differently to the other and that things are done differently at kindy, at grandma’s and at home.
Before disciplining, make sure your child understands what you expect of them by telling or showing them what you want rather than punishing them for behaviour you don’t want.
Never make a threat that you can’t carry through with. Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No. Remember children will mimic your actions, so it is better to encourage positive behaviour in our children. Threats generally display our frustration and lack of control over a situation.
Where appropriate and if your child is old enough, allow them to be involved in some of the decision making, giving them choices instead of requests.
Remember the easiest way to encourage good behaviour is to praise it openly and frequently. Children love to please and thrive on praise. So recognise and encourage the positives and ignore as much as possible the attention seeking bad behaviour.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
Time out can be for the child or for the parent. Time out is basically time alone. That is away from the social group. Being social beings, we prefer to be where the action is, so by isolating a child will grab their attention and allow them to rethink their behaviour. Time out is not punishment and should never used to humiliate a child as being forced into the ‘naught chair/spot’. We are looking to avoid creating hurt feelings, embarrassment and humiliation. Try to remove the offending child from the social group before they become angry or embarrass themselves.
As a child gets older they will learn to take themselves to their room when they feel they need some time out to regain control of themselves.
As adults we may also need some time out. When you find yourself getting angry or frustrated with a child’s behaviour, you may need to get away for a short time to bring your own feelings under control. I have often suggested to parents to let their children know why they need time out, “Mummy is getting upset and needs to calm down so I’m going into my room for a little while”. Before doing this, you must make sure your children are left in a safe environment, if possible have another adult present to watch the children while you take a break.
Positive Parenting
Before we get into the next topic I want to stress positive parenting. Look for good behaviours and show your approval and pleasure. Reassure your child that you love them regardless of their bad behaviour. Make time in your busy schedule to spend quality time with each child and this means listening to them. Show them you are interested in them. If you actively listen to your child, they are likely to be more open with you. Active listening means taking note of what they are saying and respond accordingly. Active listening will help you to find out if anything is bothering or worrying your child.
Spending time with your child in a positive way will help your child listen to you. Let them know your expectations, be consistent with boundaries and remember to change the boundaries as your child gets older. Having a daily routine and setting boundaries eliminate some of the temper tantrums, as these things become a part of everyday life and therefore are expected.
Also, when disciplining, pick you battles. Allow some of the smaller squeamishness to be ignored until you has conquered the bigger battles.
Reasons for bad behaviour
Firstly, take into consideration the age of a child as they may be too young to understand that their actions are unacceptable or with an older child, he/she may not have been taught that this particular action is unacceptable. Much of a child’s bad behaviour may be due to attention seeking and this can be helped through giving more attention to their good behaviour.
Other reasons for bad behaviour may include:
Changes within the family such as a new sibling, family stress, starting childcare.
Frustration with their inability to communicate or do an activity.
Angry or upset and are unable to express themselves in another way.
Feeling they are being unfairly treated and what to punish the offending person.
Feeling their independence is being restricted and needing room to develop.
If you would like some help with behavioural issues, please don’t hesitate, give us a call on 1300 786 101. We would be delighted to assist, to arm you with tips and skills to help you manage your family’s challenges.
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Setting boundaries and disciplining your child is the beginning of social edict. We are marking out the boundaries that our society expects ie - What is accepted as good behaviour and what is not acceptable. The boundaries you set at a young age will last your child for life; alternatively the lack of social skills you instill within your children will often be the bench mark that leads them into adulthood. We have all seen unacceptable behaviour in adults, this invariably stems from a lack of discipline or boundaries set during toddler hood. Our ultimate goal as parents is to encourage self control and to help our children to understand and manage their own behaviour.
As parents we are responsible for teaching our children socially acceptable behaviour and self-control. This is accomplished through appropriate and consistent discipline and boundary setting. Our children then learns about consequences and taking responsibility for their own actions. The discipline or punishment we deal out will more than likely set the standard for their actions and reactions later in life.
What is discipline?
Firstly let’s have a look at what discipline in not – discipline is not physical punishment – hitting, or smacking or verbal abuse such as yelling or threatening a child.
So what is discipline? Discipline is discouraging bad behaviour and encouraging good behaviour by using rational and positive action.
Results from physical punishment
Parents are role models for their children thus the importance of positive parenting. What children see you do they will copy. They see your actions as approved of and therefore is the correct thing for them to do also. Inflicting pain to stop a child from behaving badly only teaches them violence is OK. For example if you smack a child for doing something wrong and they see their younger sibling doing something they perceive as being wrong, they will believe they are doing the right thing to correct their sibling with a smack. This is why it is very important that we lead by example.
Physical punishment may also cause problems such as:
Psychological or physical injury
Undermining a child’s sense of justice, trust and fairness.
They may turn to lying to avoid physical punishment.
They may become fearful or withdrawn
They may become aggressive or develop bullying behaviour
It may damage the parent-child relationship
It may do irrefutable damage to a child’s self-esteem, self-respect and dignity.
You have also let slip an opportunity to teach your child self-control and responsibility. Some of these may become long term problems affecting their adult lives.
Alternatives to physical punishment
Once we have established that physical punishment is wrong, what else is there? Firstly we need to understand that it is in their nature for children to please parents, to do the right thing. Children are seeking approval and love, therefore one of the easiest ways to encourage good behaviour is to recognise, acknowledge and praise good behaviour.
This shows them what is expected from them. By reinforcing and giving attention to good behaviour your child will be less likely to seek your attention through bad behaviour.
Secondly children are to understand that bad or unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated and that there are consequences to their actions. If a child is aloud to get away with unacceptable behaviour it is like saying you approve of their behaviour. Therefore unacceptable behaviour is to be corrected. How does one correct unacceptable behaviour?
Strategies to discipline
Discipline is part of learning about the consequences of your actions. With young children the consequences need to follow as soon as possible after the action and should be relevant to the behaviour. These may include:
Distracting the child
Removing the object
Isolating the offending child from the group.
Taking ‘Time out’ – spending time alone to reflect on their behaviour and regain their composure before returning to the group.
Part 2 'Time - quality time and time out ' will be continued in our next newsletter....
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As parents we set the example through role modeling. Watching parents argue and how they make up sets the pattern for our children to follow. Young children will only be upset with parents arguing if you are going to argue it is better not to do so infront of your child. With older children show constructive conflict resolution. Supervision is needed for young children and babies as they may be at risk of being hurt.
With older children much of their bickering can be ignored. Don’t take sides or compare one child with the other as this may only stir up the tension between siblings or encourage stubbornness. Help children how to resolve conflicts by using their words not their actions, to talk about things later after the heat of the moment has subsided. Not to blame or to accuse but to talk about their feelings and ways they may be able to resolve their differences. Discuss with your children how everyone is different and we all have different ideas and ways of doing things. Being different is not being wrong. It is not who wins the fight but how we fight that matters. Teach your children how to say sorry, how to apologise for their bad behaviour and angry outbursts.
With little children get down to their level, look them in the eye and explain that their actions are not friendly, give them a warning and follow through with the appropriate action if needed. Give lots of praise when your children are playing nicely together and treating each other with respect. Comment on their good behaviour. “It makes mummy and daddy very happy when you are playing gently and being kind to one another.” Try to ignore all negative attention seeking behaviour. If possible turn your back to it, if not try to distract their attention away form the negative behaviour.
Again never compare one child against the other or speak badly about your children in their or their siblings hearing. Children understand and take in a lot more than we imagine. Speak positively over your children for either way they will try to live up to what you have spoken over them wether positively or negatively. Enjoy each child for their individual qualities and traits.
Parents need to be flexible yet consistent with their approach on discipline. Discuss and agree on what boundaries and the method of discipline the family will use and support each other showing that you are united and working together.
Tips to avoid family conflict:
use your words not actions
Speak in a friendly voice don’t shout
Respect one other and their belongings.
What causes conflict?
jealousy, different interests, temperament, personalities and age,
attention seeking, boredom, testing their limits or egocentrism,
lack of social or communication skills,
family upheavals, disputes or sickness.
And finally remember sibling rivalry is a part of family life but in the end blood is thicker than water.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
As parents we are to assist our children to acquire the necessary skills to communicate. This is done primarily through example. We must give our children the tools for good communication. Good communication skills begin in childhood and are continually developed throughout like. Give them the words they need to express themselves. When you can see they are tired, frustrated, angry or sad talk to them about their feelings and help them to express how they feel in words. For example ’Are you frustrated because you can’t do that by yourself? Would like me to help you?’ or for a younger child just give him the words to use such as ’Help me please Mummy’. A vital part of learning is through watching and role play. Helping children express themselves with words can prevent physical reactions such as temper tantrums, hitting, throwing or angry outbursts.
Changing our words
You may have heard me say there are foour words we should try to avoid when talking to children. They are ‘naughty’, ‘bad’, ‘good’and 'no'. Instead of saying good boy/girl, try using ‘clever’. ‘That’s clever! I like the way you do that.’ Try to turn a negative comment into a positive one. eg. ‘Stop winging!’ replace with ‘Please ask me with your friendly voice’. Children love to please, they respond positively to encouragement and praise.
Speaking positively
We should try to speak positively over our children and remember not to talk about your child in their presence. Many parent have discussed the negative behaviour of their child in front of them. This may reinforce or encourage negative behaviour. If you need to discuss their behaviour with another adult then do so out of their hearing. Confess positive behaviour over your child so that they will hear your approval and continue to strive to please you. We know ourselves how positive words bring us confidence and negative words can cripple us with inferiority or inability to achieve our goals. This works the same with children. I can still remember teachers and parents speaking about my poor grades at school (I was dyslexic). This gave me a terrible inferiority complex and low self esteem which I struggled with for years.
Tips: Give your child a head start in life through building their self esteem by speaking positively over them from a very early age.
Remember: Positive words build up negative words destroy. Emotional scars often take a life time to recover from and unfortunately have become an excuse for much of the irresponsible behaviour in adolescents and adults.
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Setting limits and teach discipline from a very early age is advisable. The sooner we start this process, the less of a fight we will have when we introduce ‘rules’ later. Boundaries need to be introduced before your toddler reaches the age of two as this is when he will begin to test the power of ‘no’. Toddlers respond very well to learning and discipline is part of this process; it does not need to be something you dread. When boundaries become part of your daily routine, you usually find that rules become accepted, not questioned. So start early: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it’ (proverbs 22:6). When mobility begins is the ideal time to start giving your infant boundaries in which to play, explore and develop lifetime social skills and manners. Starting before they can disagree with you will help set good habits. Nobody enjoys children who are unruly or undisciplined - children who ‘run-amok’ wherever they go, even with their parent’s presence. Children must learn what is socially acceptable and unacceptable at an early age. Unruly and demanding children will have few friends; no one will put up with their nonsense. It also follows that unruly toddlers will grow up into unruly teenagers and adults. So be prepared and start setting limits while your child is still young and eager to please.
Some strategies for setting boundaries -
Use their natural desire to learn and to please by giving attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour. Try not to fuss too much over negative behaviour.
Ignore much of their bad behaviour by distracting you toddlers’ attention. For example, when packing toys away in preparation for bed, your toddler may throw a toy across the room, leave it and distract him by drawing attention to something else. Later, when he has calmed down, go with him and retrieve the thrown toy so that he can put it away with you.
Keep in mind your toys; TV remotes, mobile phones, telephones and the like, are not your toddlers toys. He needs to learn to respect other people belongings by learning what he can and cannot play with. This means he must have your permission and supervision before he is permitted to use them.
“Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’” (Matt 5:37) Don’t say something to your child unless you can follow through with the appropriate action. Don’t tell them you will do something you don’t intend to do. If you say you are going to do something then do it. If you don’t your children will not only begin to doubt your word but you will be teaching them that lies are OK.
Encourage your child to talk to you, and not to whinge at you. If you respond to their whinging by giving in to their demands you are teaching them that whinging or nagging brings the desired results. Not giving in to their demands will teach them that your word is true.
Tips: An out of control child is really just wanting someone to take control and to bring order.
Remember: Research shows that a disciplined child with well defined boundaries has higher self-esteem and confidence and is less likely to run off the rails as a teenager.
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Biting may occur at any age from breastfeeding infants to frustrated toddlers. There are many reasons for biting, here are some helpful hints on how to deal with biting from breast feeding through to toddlers.
Biting at the breast
Newborns are known to gum their mothers nipple while feeding, this may occur when the flow is slow or the breast is drained. An older baby may bite when he is exploring with his mouth, when he is teething, when disinterested in feeding further or when you are detaching him from the breast and he feels you are being distracted or tense.
Solutions to prevent biting at the breast
When biting occurs, remain calm, do not smack your baby but remove him carefully from the breast with a firm ’No’. Don’t try to pull your nipple out of his mouth. Release his grip by drawing him as close as possible towards your breast. This will make him release the nipple as he draws back to catch his breath, then slip your finger between his gums and gently detach him. Wait a few minutes before reoffering the breast. Give baby your attention when feeding. Recognize when he has finished or lost interest in the feed and detach him immediately. Be careful how you take him off the breast.
Biting and toddlers
Toddlers may begin to bite for a variety of reasons one of these may be an attempt to relieve the discomfort of teething. Other reasons may be due to boredom, frustration, excitement or experimentation or as a result of going through an anxious or stressful time. She may bite to attract your attention.
Solutions to prevent biting as a toddler:
When with other children supervise a child who bites, at all times. Warn parents that your child sometimes bites.
Prevention is the best action, distract the child before biting begins.
Never draw attention or make a big fuss over biting it may become a form of attention seeking. Never bite back this only teaches a child aggressive behaviour.
Remain calm and remove the offending child from the situation and explain to her why biting is not acceptable. You may have a special phrase that you use for unacceptable behaviour such as “That’s not friendly”.
Give extra attention to the child who was bitten.
If biting continues remove the biter for a longer period of time, and keep her occupied with something else.
If biting episodes continue, your patience and persistence will be needed before you see results.
Tips: Give lots of possitive attention when the child is well behaviour.
Remember: Children will eventually grow out of this disruptive behaviour so remain possitive and confident.
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Sibling rivalry is a normal part of family life - it is learning to live with one another. In a sibling relationship, we learn how to share, co-operate with one another, listen, communicate, deal with our feelings, understand other's point of view and feelings, and how to resolve conflict.
Preparation for a new baby
Before your new baby arrives home, prepare your older child for the expected arrival. Talk about where baby will be sleeping etc. Change your child’s routine as little as possible and keep the boundaries as they are. The fewer the changes, the better your child's transition. If changes are needed, it is advisable to do so well in advance. For example moving from cot to a bed, changing rooms, attending child care. This will give your child plenty of time to adjust. Enrolling your toddler into activities away from mum such as child care, will teach them more independence, help them make new friends and to learn how to mix with their peers. This will also give mum time alone with baby. Let your toddler know when you are going to hospital and have a gift from the baby to give to their older sibling.
When baby arrives home, help your older child become involved with the care of the baby according to their ability. eg. fetching a nappy, holding the baby (with supervision). This will also help them to see their place in the family unit as being important. Help your toddler to understand what she is going through by talking about her feelings as well as the baby’s is important. Explain to her that sometimes you will need to spend time with the baby. During this time be prepared with activities to entertain her, eg when feeding the baby. Spend quality time with your older child when baby is sleeping. Reassure her with lots of cuddles and hugs during this time.
Outside help is best utilised to enable you to spend more time with your older children.
Conflict management
As parents, we set the example through role modelling. Watching parents argue and how they make up sets the pattern for our children to follow. Show your children constructive conflict resolution. Supervision is needed for young children and babies as they may be at risk of being hurt. With older children, much of their bickering can be ignored. Don’t take sides or compare one child with the other as this may only stir up the tension between siblings or encourage stubbornness.
Chidren are never too young to learn good behaviour. Start with simple to understand language and instructions and spend time to explain things helping them to understsand not only their feellings but the feelings of others.
Help children know how to resolve conflicts by using their words not their actions. 'That's not friendly', 'We need to be friendly if we want others to be friendly to us' - are phrasesI encourge arents to use with their chidren to help them understand how we are to treat others. Teaching children how to usee their words instead of hitting out of frustration will empower your children. Children generally react out of frustration, not knowing how or what to do in a situation. We as caregivers need to step i and give them the right tools.
When talking with little children get down to their level, took them in the eye and explain that their actions are not friendly, give them a warning and follow throuogh with the appropriate action if needed. Never give a warning that you can't carry out. Let your 'yes' mean yes and you 'no' mean no. Give lots of praise when you children are playing nicely together and treating each other with respect. Comment on ntheri good behaviour. "I'm so proud of you both playing so nicely together. I'm sure it makes you feel good too."
Set some time aside to talkwith your chilldren after the heat of the moment has subsided to help them talk about their anger or unacceptable behaviouir. Do not use this time to blame or to accuse but to talk about their feelings and ways they may be able to resolve their differences. Discuss with your children how everyone is different and we all have different ideas and ways of doing things. Being different is not being wrong. It is not who wins the fight but how we fight that matters. Teach your children how to say sorry, how to apologise for their bad behaviour and angry outbursts. Remind them to use their 'friendy voice' when they are shouting or becoming agressive.
Never compare one child against the other or speak badly about your children in their or their siblings hearing. Children understand and take in a lot more than we imagine. Speak positively over your children for either way they will try to live up to what you have spoken over them wether positively or negatively. Enjoy each child for their individual qualities and traits.
Parents need to be flexible yet consistent with their approach on discipline. Discuss and agree on what boundaries and the method of discipline the family will use and support each other, showing that you are united and working together. Happy families communicate. Communication is learnt from our arentsand thosee around us. Make sure you as parents are instilling the right communication skills. What a child learnsat home they will continue to use throughout their lifetime in school, workand marriage.
Tips to avoid family conflict
Use your words not actions
Speak in a friendly voice - don’t shout
Respect one other and their belongings.
What causes conflict?
Jealousy, different interests, temperament, personalities and age
Attention seeking, boredom, testing their limits or egocentrism
Lack of social or communication skills
Family upheavals, disputes or sickness.
Tips: Try to ignore all negative attention seeking behaviour. If possible turn your back to it, if not try to distract their attention away form the negative behaviour.
Remember: Sibling rivalry is a part of family life but in the end blood is thicker than water.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help
Find out how Cradle 2 Kindy can provide professional guidance on a variety of behavioural issues including sibling rivalry by calling 1300 786 101
Not only is home cooked food better for your baby but eating at the table with the family is preferred to feeding your baby on his own. This may not always be possible but where it is it may make a difference to their eating habits. Eating together encourages good manners by example. If you have a fussy eater they are encouraged to try things that you are eating and will often eat something off your plate rather than their own.
A child should always be seated when eating or drinking. Don't run around chasing a child with a spoon to encourage him to eat. When it is mealtime sit your child in a comfortable chair at the table. Make sure he is strapped in safely and unable to wriggle out. If baby is able to wriggle about while eating he may choke or slip out of his chair and hurt himself.
Our children should learn that mealtimes are for eating not playing. This doesn’t mean that we force our children to eat. Once the food has been offered allow your child to eat what he wants. If he doesn’t want what is offered don't offer something different you are only teaching him to be fussy. If he refuses to eat or leaves some food, allow him to remain at the table for approx twenty to thirty minutes in total or until the family has finished eating. Then, even if food is left on his plate, excuse him from the table. Do not offer more food later. Wait till it is morning or afternoon tea and offer a small snack. If it is his evening meal he will learn to eat or go without till morning. This will encourage him to eat what is being offered at mealtimes.
If he becomes disinterested in his drink or food and begins to throw it around or play with it, he has probably had enough, remove it without commenting. A minute or two later ask if he would like some more and offer it again. If he continues to play with it take it away completely.
Tips: Make meal times interesting and a place where the family gathers for fellowship and discussion.
Remember: Meals in front of TV is not recommended if you have issues with your child feeding these need to be addressed not ignored.
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routine, you usually find that rules become accepted, not questioned. So start early: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it’ (proverbs 22:6). When mobility begins is the ideal time to start giving your infant boundaries in which to play, explore and develop lifetime social skills and manners. Starting before they can disagree with you will help set good habits. Nobody enjoys children who are unruly or undisciplined - children who ‘run-amok’ wherever they go, even with their parent’s presence. Children must learn what is socially acceptable and unacceptable at an early age. Unruly and demanding children will have few friends; no one will put up with their nonsense. It also follows that unruly toddlers will grow up into unruly teenagers and adults. So be prepared and start setting limits while your child is still young and eager to please. 
her why biting is not acceptable. You may have a special phrase that you use for unacceptable behaviour such as “That’s not friendly”. 
arrival. Talk about where baby will be sleeping etc. Change your child’s routine as little as possible and keep the boundaries as they are. The fewer the changes, the better your child's transition. If changes are needed, it is advisable to do so well in advance. For example moving from cot to a bed, changing rooms, attending child care. This will give your child plenty of time to adjust. Enrolling your toddler into activities away from mum such as child care, will teach them more independence, help them make new friends and to learn how to mix with their peers. This will also give mum time alone with baby. Let your toddler know when you are going to hospital and have a gift from the baby to give to their older sibling. 
If he doesn’t want what is offered don't offer something different you are only teaching him to be fussy. If he refuses to eat or leaves some food, allow him to remain at the table for approx twenty to thirty minutes in total or until the family has finished eating. Then, even if food is left on his plate, excuse him from the table. Do not offer more food later. Wait till it is morning or afternoon tea and offer a small snack. If it is his evening meal he will learn to eat or go without till morning. This will encourage him to eat what is being offered at mealtimes.
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