Consistency is Key

You've probably heard it said all of your life, but it really is true. Consistency IS key. And, it holds true with feeding your child as well. Whether your breast feeding a newborn, bottle feeding your infant, teaching a baby to eat solids, helping your toddler with table foods, teaching your preschooler table manners, helping your teenager keep good eating habits, or anything in between, then you may have already figured out that it all revolves around consistency.

I would say that I have experienced first-hand the benefits of consistency with feeding. When I first started solids with my boys, I thought they would never learn how to eat from a spoon. It took a while and I was so involved that I wasn't seeing the improvement, but one day I realized that we had succeeded. Since then, most food introductions have been instant success, but some have taken time. Keep trying. I read something recently that some babies won't accept a new food, taste, or texture until trying it at least 10 times. Wow, that takes some consistency...over and over and over again.

Still, I struggle with how well my boys are feeding themselves food at the table from a plate. Initially the plate was a huge issue, but I've been consistent with not letting them move the plate and now, they understand that I won't let them play with the plate. We still have times where they test me, but I know what's coming and expect them to follow my instruction.

I am also being consistent now with different sizes, shapes, and textures. As my boys are learning more and more to feed themselves, I can tell they aren't interested in certain foods for different reasons. They would have eaten it if I fed it to them, but when they have to touch it and get it in their mouths, it's sometimes a different story. This is one of those situations where I'm counting on consistency paying off. I'm staying consistent with my feeding style, the foods I offer, and with my expectations.

Please share your thoughts and ideas.
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