What is an appropriate practice during mealtime for caregivers with children?

Allowing children to feed themselves, even when it is messy, is an appropriate practice during mealtime for caregivers with children. This approach supports the development of fine motor skills and fosters independence. When children have the opportunity to explore food textures and practice their ability to self-feed, they not only learn important self-regulation and coordination skills but also develop a sense of autonomy and confidence in their abilities.

Mealtime can be a significant learning experience that encourages exploration and engagement. While it is natural for messy eating to occur, especially with younger children, caregivers can view this as an opportunity for teaching and growth rather than a behavior that needs to be immediately controlled or corrected. Promoting a relaxed and positive mealtime environment can help children develop a healthy relationship with food.

In contrast, not permitting messy eating can inhibit exploration and learning. Placing infants in high chairs is a reliable safety measure, but overly strict policies around feeding restrict opportunities for independence and development. Lastly, requiring caregivers to handle all feeding can limit a child's agency and self-sufficiency, which are essential for their developmental growth. By encouraging self-feeding, caregivers can create a nurturing and empowering mealtime atmosphere.