If in my dreams the moment of the meal is that of family sharing of the day, I often clash with the whims of my children, who are in full affirmation phase of their self. "The television at the table is not seen!" And off with the scripts to turn it off. "You eat seated compound." And they challenge me by sitting crooked. "Hold your fork well!" And they take the food with their hands. I mean, I know moms can understand, but the 3-8 year phase can be complex to manage, especially at the table. How to deal with their whims? Here are some ideas, the result of much, much experience in the field …

5 tips to avoid tantrums at the children's table

1. Try to have dinner together, in a relaxed and serene atmosphere, with the TV off and involving the child in family chatter and giving importance to the story of his day.

2. Involve them in the preparation of the dinner, both by cooking together and asking to set. It is the best way to avoid tantrums during the meal because they feel satisfied and considered for what they have done.

3. If he refuses a dish, do not scold him immediately. Screaming and getting alarmed is of little use. Ask why he doesn't want it and try to find an agreement, for example by inviting him to taste it in exchange for a portion of that dish they prefer. Don't give in to blackmail though, tasting is essential!

4. Don't expect them to sit for long. Children are naturally hyperactive. It is essential that they understand that the moment of the meal is important and one must be composed, but if the dinner continues and they have finished, do not force their patience.

5. The game of the 3 rules: applies at the table, as in the rest of family education. Giving children many rules confuses them. Better to think of 3 and repeat them to the child so that you memorize them. For example: you sit well, you taste everything, you get up only when you are finished, with the permission of mom and dad.

The best menu for children aged 3 to 8

The food that you put on your plate is essential to avoid whims. But if on the tricks to make the children eat the parents they can indulge themselves, it is fundamental offer them a balanced and suitable menu both to their abilities and to nutritional needs. Some children, especially around 3 years of age, are not fully able to manage chewing, so we must facilitate them in taking food. While for them calorie requirement, for a child of the age group 3-8 years it ranges from 1350 to 1800 calories per day. The ideal menu for this age, also recommended by nutritionists, includes a breakfast with partially skimmed milk and biscuits. For lunch instead we can choose a past of lentils with pasta and a seasonal fruit. While fish is the right choice for dinner, for example sole or cod, with cooked vegetables, bread and fruit again.

And a snack?

Do not forget the snack, another fundamental meal for children. A comfortable solution, to be consumed even outside the home and with balanced nutritional values ​​is Unduetris Merenda di Citterio with cooked ham: contains apple puree, breadsticks and sticks with cooked ham. Children will have the right amount of vitamins, carbohydrates and proteins, that is energy to spend playing and having fun, and there will be no caprice that keeps with such a snack!