A Place at the Table: Encouraging joyful eating in toddlers by Kimberly Wong
Families often ask me about challenges with eating, saying things like, “My child is not a good eater,” or “They just won’t eat unless I keep encouraging them.” These concerns are common—and they’re part of the natural process of growing up. In our Montessori environments, we see food not just as nutrition, but as a rich opportunity for connection, learning, and independence.
By creating thoughtful routines and inviting toddlers to participate meaningfully in mealtimes, we can help nurture a positive relationship with food. Here are some simple ways to support this journey:
1. Encourage hunger through routine
If a child is still drinking milk frequently throughout the day, they may not feel the natural hunger that encourages interest in food. Establishing regular mealtimes and reducing milk intake can help support this transition.
2. Introduce foods slowly and repeatedly
Offer one new food at a time in small portions. For example, a few thin slices of apple on a small plate invites exploration without overwhelming the child. Repeated exposure over several days helps the child feel safe and familiar with new tastes and textures.
3. Model joyful eating
Children learn by observing. Sitting together at meals—at home or in the toddler community—helps the child absorb not only practical eating habits, but also the social and emotional connection that comes with shared meals.
4. Support independence
A child who participates in snack preparation, sets the table, or washes their dish after eating feels a sense of purpose and control. Accessible shelves with a small jug, cup, plate, and healthy snacks allow them to meet their own needs with growing confidence.
5. Create a child-friendly environment
Low tables and chairs where the child’s feet touch the floor give them physical stability and comfort at mealtime. This small adjustment makes a big difference in helping the child feel secure and focused.
As Dr. Montessori reminds us:
“The child’s conquests of independence are the basic steps in what is called his ‘natural development.’”
— The Absorbent Mind, p. 76
When we slow down and invite the child to be an active participant at the table, mealtimes become more than a routine—they become a foundation for lifelong well-being.
This article was first published in the Montessori Voices in 2024, and has been updated for the CMS Panui/Newsletter by Kimberly Wong
Kimberly Wong
Kimberly has been a Montessori teacher since 2010. She completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in 2010, and AMI Montessori 0-3 Diploma in 2016. She loves working with toddlers and her favourite challenges are toilet learning, food training and sleep training.