As silly as this sounds, my 4 yr old son has a BIG problem with smaking his food. It has really become embarrassing. I guess he has always done it but when kids are really small and learning to eat, its not something you really focus on. BUT now that he is definitely old enough, I still cannot get him to understand how to chew with his mouth closed. (and listening to him chew gum is HORRIBLE!) :)
The hardest thing is explaining to him how to do it. Its like there is a mental block. He just doesnt get it! When I try to explain it to him and show him, he just ends up chewing slower! He tries to tell me that his mouth doesnt work that way. :) Yes, he is stubborn too!
If you have any tried & true suggestions, a website, or an article to share, I would appreciate it!!! Thanks!
Take the time to play dinner party. Majority of kids learn while playing. So take the time to play with your kids and show them how one should act while at a dinner party. The most important thing to remember is that kids love to please, soo if he doesnt get it right the first time keep trying eventually he'll get it.
I have the same problem with my 6 year old. I can't stand sitting by him when he eats cause he is so loud. I have tried to get him to stop but he says that it is to hard and he can't make it stop. So if you find anything that will help then please let me know. Thanks!!
One of my sons had that problem. We reviewed with him how to cut his food into smaller pieces. With too much food in his mouth he couldn't close his mouth. I had to cut his food smaller than usual for a meal or two. He still does it when we eat pizza, but gentle reminders help him then. Practice with him at home and if he continues to be embarrasing, dont include him at meals with additional people or out.
Just some ideas.
Hey there~!
I know how annoying smacking can be, but I would try to bear in mind that 4 years old is still really young!
I think modelling good table manners, and manners in general, will teach them far more than *telling* them anything! Just my .02 and good luck!
A.- mom to Dominic (9) and Julian (6)
My three year old does this, and after I tell her twice I take her plate away and set it up on the counter for a minute or two. This usually upsets her and makes her think about it. It is really hard to break her though when other family members around her do it, and she even mentioned it how her Uncle (who is almost 16) eats like a cow (she didn't use that word though) with his mouth open, it is the most disgusting thing ever. It took several times for her to get the point and I still have to occasionally remind her, but if I have to say it more than twice the next time I just walk over and pick up her food. She has been doing much better lately and even makes it a point to tell me that she is chewing with her mouth closed.
