Read the video
A nineteen-month-old child can readily eat of their own accord. The most important thing we can do for their nutrition is to set an example. If adults eat properly and well, children can imitate them and eat the same way. Establishing the habit of eating at the table is important for this.
Feeding a child away from the table, without their noticing while they play, watch television or are distracted by a toy, does them harm. Letting the child become a little hungry and setting an example by eating ourselves eliminates appetite problems, allowing the child to eat comfortably.
When the child wakes in the morning, breakfast should be set out and eaten together, with the adults starting first. At lunchtime a parent may be at work. The adult caring for the child is advised to eat first and then feed the child. In the evening the whole family should gather at the table and start eating. When children see adults eating, they too will sit down and eat their own food.
If the child does not eat the food at the table, it is not right to substitute another food they like more. This practice can lead the child to think that if they do not eat, their mother will bring a preferred dish, and can lead to serious appetite problems. Set the table and let the child eat however much they eat with us. Let us not count the child's bites; everyone should eat their own meal.
