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The “later” plate to avoid mealtime meltdowns!

Updated: Mar 4, 2020

Does your child put up a fight to have new or undesired foods on their plate? Try introducing a later plate!

What you’ll need:

  • A plate or bowl smaller than the typical plate you serve meals on (Tip: Make this one really fun and special!)

Why it works:

  • The “later” plate gives your child a place to put unwanted food without throwing it on the floor or having a meltdown about it being on their main plate.

  • It allows them to interact with the food by picking it up and placing it somewhere else.

  • You can easily redirect them to their “later” plate when they request more of a desired food.

  • It changes the conversation from “I don’t want it” to “maybe later”.

  • Remember- the child must first be comfortable with interacting with a new food and having it on their plate before it will find its way to their mouth!


Give it a try today!


April Anderson, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC




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