Top tips for mealtime, food prep and “hangry” toddlers!

For small babies in need of some attention while you're trying to cook, put them somewhere close, like in your Baby Box wrap or a high chair, and chat away to them. Try to copy the sounds they make and see if they try to copy yours.

Your child's development: Your baby is listening to you all the time – their brain is like a wee sponge soaking up every word you say, and your voice is what they love hearing the most. As they get older, they'll start to practise talking with you by making noises and cooing at you. Try to encourage them as much as you can!

Drawing or playing can keep your kids happy and busy while you're getting tea ready, and you can chat to them about what they're doing. If your older child has homework, give the younger ones some 'homework' too: 'Can you draw me a picture?'

Get them to count forks, spoons and plates (not the knives!). And maybe they can even decide where everyone is going to sit.

Your child's development: Not only will this keep your toddler busy, it also helps them with learning their numbers.

While you're getting dinner on, ask if they want to set up a 'restaurant' for you. What toys would like to come to dinner tonight? Can they write or draw the 'menu' for the night?

Your child's development: Getting your child involved in making dinner makes it more likely they'll eat it. Win-win!

If they're starting to learn about colours, you can ask them to spot the colours they see as you're cooking together. What colour is mashed potato?

Tell your little one you are brewing a potion or doing a science experiment. Watch very closely and you'll see the ingredients transforming into new and magical things!

Your child’s development: Storytelling helps children use their imagination and learn new words, and nothing beats a good story from you.

Put a bunch of different things on a table – cutlery, plates, plastic cup, fruits, etc. Ask your child if they can put them into groups. What colour are they? What shape are they? What are they used for?

Your child’s development: Playing games where you ask your child to think about things (like groups, colours, shapes, numbers) helps them learn about their world. These thinking skills will help with everything from real-life problem solving to maths and science.

Pick up your spoon, take some food and say 'Mmmm delicious' and then put the spoon down. Your little one will be watching you very closely. Take a few tiny bites and have them do the same. Then when they do something, you copy them.

Your child’s development: This to-and-fro action helps them learn to pay attention and remember so they can repeat your actions. They need these thinking skills to learn information and use it. Plus it can encourage a fussy eater to eat!

Wee ones love to take turns so why not try feeding them, then letting them feed themselves? You could even let them feed you!

Children learn by watching then copying. It's not always easy but if you manage to all sit together at meal times, they'll be encouraged to eat by watching you do the same. Even if all you manage some days is breakfast, it can make a big difference.

Your child’s development: You're the most important person in your little one's life. Seeing what you eat makes them think it must be yummy. If your older children eat up their veg or even feed it to them, that can be a real help to get them eating up.

Pretend there are wild animals trying to steal your broccoli! Let your toddler take bites from your fork while you're pretending to be distracted. You can act shocked when you turn back to see how much those invisible gobblers have eaten. This makes your fussy eaters keen to try new things.