Mealtime difficulties

[Buttonbobs]

Not sure if this is even going to become a problem but as we're having some very early stage tantrums here when E gets frustrated I thought it best to see if anyone else has experienced this and if it became a bigger probe and what you did to resolve it.

E has always been most interested in her imagination type toys like her dolly "baby" and her little characters etc. one day recently she asked to have baby sit at the table with us while she ate her breakfast. She offered baby water from her cup & food from her spoon. I thought this was sweet so didn't discourage it. But now, she refuses to eat anything unless baby is eating too. This morning I tried to leave baby in another room but E noticed her absence and screamed and screamed.

Any suggestions or BTDT stories?

Thank you all

[*Kara*]

Oh yes, we often have a certain stuffed dog named Spot at our table.  He has a bowl and his own "seat" on the table. 

I am all about good manners when eating but there are times as toddlers that getting the food into them needs to be more important than the how/why part, KWIM?

It's likely a phase with her wanting baby there all the time... we had the same, refusal without Spot there.. now, it's not even once a day... more like once a week... I just went with what she wanted thinking it could just be that they are at the age where they see eating as a social thing and want to involve all of their "family."

[Buttonbobs]

Thanks Kara, it's good to know it should pass. She's already stopped asking for baby quite so much and will without her so I'll just go with the flow a bit . :-)

[*Kara*]

Good plan!  Spot the Dog had lunch with us today

[Buttonbobs]

What a lovely lunch guest!

[cuckoochick]

We've had this phase too. It does pass, thankfully!