Tips for making the most of mealtimes

Children need to be fed dinner early in the evening - tired children are always a recipe for disaster.
Have a regular place to eat for young children, they like routine.
Never bribe or force a child to continue eating after they say they are full. Just encourage them. Of course, children will make mistakes and eat too much or too little - that is all part of learning.
Don't fuss over table manners. Squishing bananas or spitting out food are normal behaviors which will disappear in time. Toddlers throw food as part of experimenting. A firm 'no' and avoiding picking it up while they are watching will be enough. For an older child, a warning followed by a calm consequence such as removing the food is the most appropriate response - no child has ever starved from missing a meal.
Older children like variety - family picnics make a special treat.
Allow older children to serve themselves.
Consult your GP or practice nurse if your are constantly battling with your child or concerned about your child's food intake or if your child seems lacking in energy.
Model good behaviour yourself; show them you enjoy good food.
Praise behaviours you want. For example, "thank you for passing the bread".