At the table, 4-year olds can serve themselves. Use smaller serving bowls to limit the mess, which is part of learning to eat.
Ideas for Learning and Growth
How you can help your child’s development:
Eat meals with your child whenever possible. Let your child see you enjoying fruits, vegetables, and whole grains at meals and snacks. Avoid food and beverages that contain added sugars, solid fats, or salt.
Math skills like counting and one-to-one correspondence can become part of setting the table. Count out loud together and say, “put one fork at each place”.
Encourage conversation at the table to build language skills.
Encourage your child to sit when eating, and to carefully chew his food to prevent choking. Children may eat different amounts of food every day at this age. It is normal. Encourage her to try new foods by offering bits to taste.
Encourage your child to sit or many prefer to stand at the table while eating.
Limit snacks during the day and have a consistent meal schedule. Allow children to tell you when they are done eating.
Concerns
Don’t Worry. But Don’t Wait.
Should you be concerned? Perhaps. If you are concerned, call right away. If your child is on track, you’ll be reassured. If your child needs assistance, you’ll find out now, when it’s the best time to help!
BuildUpMi.org or dial the Michigan Special Education Line at 1-888-320-8384
Get a developmental screen: the Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a child development screener that allows you to check in on how your child is growing and learning.