Why are they eating on the couch? Presumably to watch TV? So then if you catch them eating on the couch the first time they lose TV for a day, second time for two days, etc.

Anonymous wrote:I would stop buying snacks for a few weeks.

+100. This. Either eat the snacks according to the rules, or there are no snacks.

This is also why I harp on good habits/food manners at a young age.

My sister is the opposite and would let her kids wander while they eat, or stand at the table instead of sitting, or put their feet up on the chairs while they eat. And the while she would say "She's 5; I just want her to eat"

But now that 5 year old is 14, and doesnt understand how to properly behave at a dinner.

Nip this in the bud

I would stop buying snacks for a few weeks.

A time out will work if they have to sit alone for 30 mins.

Anonymous wrote:Break out the vacuum and put them to work.

This is what I do. I also make them cook when they complain about my dinner, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Why are they leaving the kitchen with food at all? My kids eat at the island, kitchen table or dining room. That’s it. Was there a period of time when you let them wander with food? Do you sometimes let them eat on the couch? Set clear boundaries and they’ll follow.

We have a galley kitchen. The dining room and living room are open to one another. Lol. Kitchen Island