The “later” plate to avoid mealtime meltdowns!

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