It’s very common for young children — especially those with developmental differences — to have trouble sitting at the table for the full duration of a meal. If you’re finding mealtimes to be a challenge, you are not alone! There are several strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that can help. First, start small. If your child struggles to sit for the whole meal, begin by setting a small, achievable goal, such as sitting for just two to five minutes at first. Gradually increase the time as your child becomes more successful.

Before the meal begins, clearly and simply explain the expectation. You might say, “We sit at the table while we eat.” Visual supports, like a simple picture schedule or a mealtime rules chart, can help reinforce these expectations, especially for children who respond well to visual cues. During the meal, catch your child being successful and offer specific praise, such as, “I love how you’re sitting at the table!” You can also offer small, motivating rewards after the goal is met, like a sticker, a favorite toy, or a few minutes of a preferred activity.

It can also help to make mealtimes more engaging. Sometimes children leave the table simply because they are bored or distracted. Keeping conversation light and interactive — asking about their day or discussing a favorite topic — can make meals more enjoyable. At the same time, try to minimize distractions by limiting screens, toys, and other non-mealtime activities. Creating a calm, predictable environment helps children stay focused on eating.

Consistency is key. Enforce the same expectations at every meal and stick to predictable routines. If the expectation is that mealtime happens at the table, avoid allowing eating while walking around or in other locations. Finally, remember that building mealtime skills takes time and practice. Celebrate small victories, and if mealtimes continue to feel stressful or difficult, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can help design individualized strategies to meet your child’s unique needs. Each small step forward is a big success!