LO can't eat without tv on 😔

I have 3yo and 11 month old and after I had her I was hit with some health issues and I really have just been in survival mode. I now find myself in a situation where my 3yo cannot eat without the television on. It was okay whilst it was helping her eat her meal but now the opposite is happening. She can't take her eyes off the tv, she has no interest in what's on her plate and will now sit there wailing 'feed me, feed me, feed me!'. I'll have been giving in and feeding her as initially I thought it was an attempt at trying to connect as she sees me feeding her little sister. But after observing her it actually seems like she wants feeding because she just can't be bothered to look down and use her hand / eye coordination to feed herself!? I'm so embarrassed that I've let it get to this stage and now I'm desperate to break the tv / mealtime connection but I've no idea where to start?! Pls help
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That's the reason why TV at eating time is highly discouraged, kids need to concentrate in the plate and what they are eating. Personally I would just not put it on at all and that's it. She will probably have a week of meltdown on which you need to stand your feet. Do not comply and do not put it on. Explain to her that meals are for family and ask her to tell you about her day, you do the same, tell her about your day. Tell a story. Anything but do not put the TV on. It will not be easy but you can do it and you did what you had to in order to survive so don't feel ashamed. Just remembered (unfortunately) that with kids if you let them do something for like 2 days that will be their new routine. And I know because just now I've been regretting having my son sleep on my bed and now he thinks that's the norm 😭

Don't feel embarrassed at all! We all do what we have to do to get by. It's great you were able to use tv at a time when you needed it. Now you dont need it which is also great! I would agree going cold turkey is best, maybe give your little one a heads up the day before and say like from tomorrow we're going to have special mummy and daughter mealtimes and then make a big deal of mealtime the next day like just be super positive about it and chat about anything at all just to keep it fun and interesting. If all else fails make it into a teddy bears picnic and invite her toys along, that's usually a good one! Hope it goes well 💕

Don't be embarrassed- you had to survive. You have the opportunity to rectify as you are the mum and you make the rules that will benefit the whole house. So, go cold turkey. It will be hard but honestly kids adapt. And sooner the better.

Also let us know how you get on! Xxx

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