Parenting tip

How to teach a dog to come and eat when called

It is important to teach your children proper table manners, such as coming to eat when they are called.

Many parents find that their children don't listen the first time, are distracted by games or screens, or ask for "five more minutes," making it difficult to maintain a stable routine.

Here are some tips that can help you train your children to come and eat when called Apply them and track results in the app from Motikids..

Motikids tip: Coming to lunch when called

Practical tips

Use these ideas as a guide. What matters is consistency and positive reinforcement.

Establish schedules and routines

Establish regular times for family meals so that your children know when to expect lunch and dinner.
Create a pre-meal routine that includes activities such as washing hands and setting the table, which will help prepare them for mealtimes.
To train this habit, give a few minutes' notice (for example, "in 5 minutes to the table") to facilitate the transition and reduce resistance.

Communicating expectations

Talk to your children about the importance of coming to eat when they are called and explain the reasons behind this rule.
Let them know that you expect them to be present and ready to eat when the food is ready.

Set an example

Be a role model for your children by arriving at the table on time when the food is ready.
Show the importance of family meals by actively participating and enjoying the moment with your family.

Reinforce positive behavior

Reward and praise your children when they come to eat on time and sit down at the table without needing reminders.
Provide additional incentives or privileges to reinforce this positive behavior.

Reduce distractions and facilitate the transition

Before calling for a meal, reduce stimuli that compete for their attention, such as screens, highly absorbing toys, or video games, and establish a "pause" rule to put them away.
It offers a simple closing action for the activity they are doing (for example, "finish this piece/level and we save it"), so that they feel they are finishing and not being abruptly cut off.
Keep the call clear and consistent, using the same phrase each day, and accompany it with a constant signal (for example, setting the table, short music, or a timer) to help them anticipate the meal.

Make the most of Motikids

Record when they have completed this task so they earn stars.
When they have enough, you can give them a reward.
That will encourage them to keep completing it and act as an incentive.
Access the app.

To finish

With patience and consistency, you can teach your children the importance of coming to eat when they are called and encourage healthy table habits. Remember that every child is unique and may require different approaches to learn this habit. Keep communication open and provide support as you guide your children in their development.

Other tip categories

Explore the rest of the tips from other categories with practical guides for educating your children:

Frequently asked questions

What do I do if my child doesn't come the first time I call him for lunch?

Repeat the routine consistently: advance warning (e.g., 5 minutes), clear call, and a natural consequence (the food gets cold or is collected after a reasonable time), avoiding arguments.

Is it advisable to turn off screens before eating?

Yes, it helps a lot. It sets a fixed rule (for example, screens off 15 minutes earlier) and provides a transition: save, pause, then go wash your hands and sit down.

How can I avoid having to shout to get them to come to the table?

Agree on a constant signal (timer, short music, or exact phrase) and get down to their level to confirm they heard you; this reduces the escalation of volume and the habit of ignoring.

What rewards work without turning it into bribery?

Use small, consistent reinforcements, such as specific praise, choosing a topic of conversation at the table, or a later privilege, focused on effort and collaboration.

How much time should I give them to get to the table after calling them?

It depends on the age, but a short and clear timeframe (2–5 minutes) usually works. The important thing is that it's predictable and that the same consequence is applied every time.

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