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Resist Making a Different Meal for Your Toddler Than for the Family

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 27-28 Month Old Toddler

Don’t be tempted to become a “short order cook”, by making different meals for your toddler than you make for the rest of the family. When your toddler resists eating something you have prepared, do not prepare another meal just for your toddler.

Instead of giving into your toddler’s demands, such as eating macaroni and cheese for every meal, continue offering regular meal choices to your toddler. Tips:

  • Include your toddler in picking out the foods to be served.
  • Let your toddler help prepare the meal. Simple tasks like stirring or mixing can be fun.
  • Include one thing in each meal that you know your toddler will like to eat. This lets everyone in the family enjoy the same foods together.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 27-28 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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