How do I get my 3 y.o. to stay at the dinner table?

[Anonymous]

Timer is a good idea and I may start to do it.

My 2.5 yo gets told two things. 1) I remind him what we are serving for dessert. If he would like dessert, he has to stay put. 2) If he still wants down, I remind him that once excused, you won't be able to eat any more dinner. We've had one "hungry" night, with some begging and whining after his bath, but basically he understands this concept.