Taking Turns During Mealtime

· Have your child help set the table at mealtime. Take turns placing the serve ware at each place. For example, after putting a plate down, have your child put a fork down. Continue the pattern at each place.

· Model and emphasize turn-taking as you and other family members serve yourselves.

· If your child is ready to scoop with a spoon, let them take turns with you as you scoop food onto their plate, assisting only as needed.

· If your child is just beginning to feed themselves with utensils, take turns with them as they scoop or pick up the food off the plate.

· If your child takes a flexible approach to eating, take turns choosing which food he or she will eat next.