I'm trying to get our girl ready for her return to the toddler room this fall when I go back to work. One thing that I know will be different is, the use of the child-sized table and chairs for snack and lunch. She LOVES being independent and wants to do what Momma and Papa do so it seemed like a good skill to work on at home. We set out to, where else, but IKEA to find that "just right" aka-Goldielocks chair.
We opted for the least expensive set which was a whopping $25. It is very light weight which is good (easy to move around) and bad (easy for a toddler to move around) but it will work for us. One important detail. We found the chair as-is to be too tall. Mind you she just turned 13 months yesterday. My husband took about 2 inches off of the legs of 1 chair. We left the table height and the other chair to switch out when she is older.
Amazingly, she got right to this whole sitting business. I didn't model for her at all and she does fairly well although she still has to crawl up and then turn herself around. We have taught her the phrase "sit on your bottom" from our frequent trips to the slide. So I said that once or twice and she understood.
We are working to teach her to push her chair in when done. But, to be very honest the chair is a fascination for her right now. I expect it to wear off, but she wants to treat it like a toy not a tool/utility. I am doing my best to stick to using it only if she is eating, reading a book, or doing a "work" activity like an art project. I have had to put the chair on its side under the table to curb her enthusiasm.
We have found the snack tray to be helpful for clean up. The lip of the table, while helpful for some activities, makes picking up crumbs a hassle.
Addressing bad a habits
What we are doing:
1. Stating desired behaviors when we see bad habits - example for the above behavior is "turn around. sit nicely, face forward." If she don't comply I move her.
2. Setting limits and sticking with them - used for snack, reading, "work" activities like art or a puzzle
3. It is not a push toy. I repeat it is not a push toy.
4. Tucking the chair in so she can't pull it out or putting it on its side if it becomes too much for me to constantly correct like when I'm making dinner (I redirect her to a fun new activity when I do this)
5. Praising her for everything she is doing right!
Overall its going well. Hopefully it helps when she goes back to "school".
1. Stating desired behaviors when we see bad habits - example for the above behavior is "turn around. sit nicely, face forward." If she don't comply I move her.
2. Setting limits and sticking with them - used for snack, reading, "work" activities like art or a puzzle
3. It is not a push toy. I repeat it is not a push toy.
4. Tucking the chair in so she can't pull it out or putting it on its side if it becomes too much for me to constantly correct like when I'm making dinner (I redirect her to a fun new activity when I do this)
5. Praising her for everything she is doing right!
Overall its going well. Hopefully it helps when she goes back to "school".