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You’ve heard us say it before, and we have to say it again: The Mahomes family had a truly epic summer vacation. The First Family of Football traveled around Europe — making stops in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and England. (Like we said … epic!) While they undoubtedly collected some core memories along the way, they apparently picked up some bad habits too. And so Brittany Mahomes is turning to her 2 million Instagram followers for help.
“Alright mamas or professionals 😂 We started a bad habit with Bronze while on vacation,” she wrote on her Instagram story, “we started letting him watch TV when eating literally just to keep him chill and not throw fits in public.”
She went on to explain that her 1-year-old son is a great eater in terms of diet and variety, but only if there is a show on. Otherwise, he will throw “huge huge huge fits.”
“[We] have been trying to break this now that we are home but he legit will not eat a single thing unless he gets a show and then if he does will eat anything,” she continued. “So I need secrets on how to break this get him to eat 😭🙏🏻.”
The co-owner of the Kansas City Current was inundated with responses from mamas and professionals. Many of whom were in the same boat and wanted to know what the masses were saying.
A lot of them suggested weaning Bronze off of his devices by offering less and less screen time during every meal. “Try using a timer,” one person said. “‘You can watch a show for 2 mins but when the timer goes beepbeep, we gotta turn it off.'” Visual timers can be even more helpful so kids have an idea of just when that beepbeep is coming.
Or, she could try turning it off halfway through. One person suggested putting on something he doesn’t like (the news, perhaps) so that watching TV is no longer enticing. While others said she should make sure it’s something educational.
Or, Mahomes could try giving Bronze breakfast with TV — “So you know he eats” — and then skip it for the rest of the day. “Will take time, you got this!”
SheKnows spoke to Alex Turnbull — a registered dietitian specializing in child nutrition and picky eating and @thefamilynutritionist on Instagram — and she had some especially fun ideas. Families can sit down and decide a few special times when screens will be allowed with meals. Maybe dinner on Friday night is part of a larger movie night. Or perhaps Saturday mornings are for cereal and cartoons.
Turnbull also had a brilliant idea for when you can’t peel your kid away from their device long enough for them to eat.
“If children have a tough time transitioning from screen time to mealtime, parents can use helpful phrases such as, ‘It’s time for lunch. Let’s go put your tablet down for a nap. Can you help me tuck your tablet in?'” she told us.
It’s such a fun way to let creative kiddos who enjoy imaginative play use their device in a way they haven’t before. Now it’s more like a doll or stuffy and helping it “go to sleep” can be a fun pre-meal activity instead of a nightmare.
And yet, some of Mahomes’ followers said quitting TV cold turkey is the way to go: “It’s going to suck for a week but he will eat! He won’t starve himself.”
Others said that maybe the pregnant mom of two could switch up the entertainment. Use a Toniebox (which we know they have!), listen to music, look at flashcards, put extra toys on the high chair, give him a book to look at, etc. Eating outside could be a fun way to switch it up too.
One person even suggested getting a “game plate.” There’s this race-style one on Amazon with 6 thousand positive reviews or this matching game one that’s great for traveling.
The overwhelming response, though, was that this busy mom can and should go ahead and do what she’s gotta do.
“Do what you need to keep you sane.” “Let him be. Pick your battles. If it brings you peace, don’t fight it. You’re a great mama!” “Give yourself & Bronze grace … you’ll get through this stage.” “Lowkey if it keeps you sane, just keep doing it.”
Mahomes returned to her Instagram Story to update followers, thank them for their recommendations, and especially for their permission to leave it be. “I really really appreciate that and that made me feel a lot better and less guilty,” she said. ” … I appreciate all the advice and the love from all you moms out there.”