Eating at the Table Story

I had a request from Canada for a story about learning to sit at the table during meal time.  This can be so hard for some children…both neurotypical and neurodivergent.  Sometimes a social story can help kids learn what the expectation is and pictures can help support that!  This story talks about eating meals at the table, but sometimes snacks can be eaten in other places (living room, outside) when a parent says it’s okay.  Some children, who are rigid in their current routine of not eating at the table, might need some extra structure, support or motivation to make the change.  This is why I included a “first-then” board to support parents in teaching this skill.  This is how a first-then board can help:  Let’s say your child is refusing to come to the table.  You can have them pick out a picture of something that they want to do (i-Pad, bubbles, swing, outside, tv etc…).  Once they choose one, you can put it on the first-then board.   So, the eat at the table picture is under the word “FIRST” and the reward they picked is under the word “THEN”.  You may have to start with REALLY small baby steps.  Maybe reinforce them with the toys after sitting at the table for a few seconds.  Include lots and lots of praise!!!  e.g. “You sat at the table….YAY!!! Now you get bubbles”.  You can go back and forth between sitting and giving your child a reward.  At this point, they may not stay at the table long enough to eat, but that’s okay.  Keep building on the time sitting at the table and make it super positive.  Eventually you will get there!

Click HERE for the Eating At The Table Story

Click here for the Eating At The Table Story in Turkish