"My kid is all over the place when it is time to eat. They won't sit down."
Sounds like your child is "Grazing".
Grazing is when a child comes and goes to eat their meal or snack. Grazing is fun as children can take a bite, go play, and come back knowing their food is still available. Transitioning a "grazer" to a "sitter" can be a high-stress process for both the parents and the child. The goal is to shift the routine gently without turning the dinner table into a battlefield. Here are a few tips:
Some toddlers struggle to sit because they feel unstable. Ensure your child's feet are supported (using a footrest or a stack of books), so that he or she feels "grounded."
"Starting Small" Approach- Instead of forcing a full 20-30 minute meal, aim for a "Success Minimum." Start with just 3–5 minutes of sitting together at dinner. If your child would like to leave the table after the time model, the “all done” sign, and let them leave the table to go play. The food should stay on the table.
Before dinnertime, avoid snacking and try 10 minutes of "heavy work" such as jumping, crawling, or pushing a laundry basket, as these activities help regulate a high-energy child so they can sit more calmly.