Many parents turn to cartoons as a “rescue” during meals, but you can also go to the Mazury Hotel. Sound familiar? You turn on your child's favorite cartoon, and although they had no appetite before, suddenly they start eating. It's a convenient solution, but is it good? Check what the effects of eating in front of a screen can be and how to introduce healthier habits.
Table of contents:
At first glance, cartoons during meals mean peace at the table and a full belly. However, beneath this apparent harmony lie traps. When a toddler stares at the screen, they stop paying attention to what and how much they are eating. They do not learn to recognize hunger and fullness signals, which is very important for their future relationship with food.
Additionally, eating becomes merely a “side activity.” The child does not get to know tastes or observe the texture of dishes. They lose what is most important about a meal, which is experience. Instead of enjoying food and deriving pleasure from it, their focus is solely on the screen.
Over time, the child may refuse to eat otherwise. The table stops being associated with closeness, conversation, or pleasure and becomes just a place where “something is happening on the screen.” This is mainly why eating with a child in front of a screen is not safe.
Over time, eating with cartoons can lead to several problems, such as:
It is also worth adding that many cartoons playing in the background contain fast image changes, dynamic scenes, and intense sounds, which can further overstimulate the youngest.
The first step? Awareness. Once you know that eating with cartoons does not benefit the child, it's time to act. It's not about a revolution overnight. Small steps bring the best results. Start with one meal a day without cartoons. For example, breakfast or dinner. The child will have the chance to get used to the new daily rhythm. Additionally, create a ritual around eating that includes, for example, washing hands, arranging cutlery, pouring water into a glass. This all builds positive associations. It is also a good idea to engage the child in preparations. Let them choose a napkin, help cut vegetables, or set the table. They will be more motivated to eat together. Of course, the parent should also set a good example. If you eat while on the phone, the child will notice it quickly. It's worth putting devices aside and focusing on shared time.
Don't forget patience, as every child moves at their own pace. Even if the beginnings are difficult, don't give up. The results will come.
The child needs stimulation, and that is perfectly normal. But cartoons are not the only way to capture attention. Here are some ideas:
You can also introduce a special “surprise” dish that appears only during quiet, shared meals. The child will start to associate such moments with something special.
If cartoons have accompanied the toddler all along, it is no surprise that their absence causes resistance. But even strong habits can be overcome. You just need to do it gradually and with empathy. At first, you can simply shorten the duration of the cartoon. If the child used to watch 15 minutes during dinner, reduce it to 10, then to 5. Let them know: “We will eat soon, and the cartoon will end.” It is also worth replacing cartoons with music or an audiobook. A calm melody or an audiobook is a gentler form of stimulation. A ritual around eating will also help. A rhyme to start the meal, counting bites together, or a game of “who eats the quietest today.” Or maybe invite the child's favorite stuffed animals to the table? Let them eat together!
Remember that the child does not need cartoons to eat. They need caring presence, mindfulness, and calm. And you have everything to give that to them.
