Whenever we take our son out to a restaurant or to see family and friends, we’ve got trouble getting him to eat. There’s always something else going on he’d rather be doing, some toy on the floor he’d rather be playing with. It doesn’t matter if there’s carrots or cake on his plate, he wants out of that high chair.

It doesn’t make matters any easier when people who aren’t my wife and I play with his feet, show him toys, make silly faces or loud noises at him. Yeah, I know I’m no fun, but a kid’s gotta eat!

So what are some keys to keeping your kid focused on his food and letting him be social at the same time?

• Remove all unnecessary distractions like T.V., radio and toys
• Eat with your child. If you’re doing something else, he’ll want to as well
• Encourage other people to save the play for another time and aid his eating by saying things like “Yum! That looks good!” or by playfully feeding him or having him feed them
• If your baby refuses to eat and wants down, let him. Continue your meal. Chances are he’ll notice everyone else is eating and will want back in on the action
• Let him eat like a big boy. Set him on your lap or next to you if he can