Hello! My 16.5 month old has generally been a good eater (in the sense that he likes almost everything I've put in front of him - and he loves fruits and vegetables). However, lately he hasn't been eating much at all, but rather "cleans off his tray" by pushing everything onto the floor. He also likes to play with his milk and/or water - drinking some of it, but then spitting it out or letting it drip down the front of him. I know toddlers go through all sorts of food stages, so I'm not too concerned about him not eating enough - I know if he's hungry, he'll eat, but I also would like to teach him that if he's done, to just let me know (he knows sign language and knows "all done") instead of always pushing everything on the floor, and I also don't want him to develop into a picky eater. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Kids this age don't understand table manners. Tell him no when he throws food, and take it away. This stage will eventually pass. Just keep reinforcing the "all done" and other desirable manners. He is actually absorbing the info and one day will suprise you on how well he catches on.
Good Luck!
Sounds like he's experimenting and food is so much fun! I'd work with him gently and make mealtime a happy, calm time. Some kids will begin to mess around and you ask "all done?" and cheerfully remove the food if they say they are , but be willing to return it if they really aren't done. Stay with them. Sometimes interacting with you is part of what this is about, sometimes the way the food feels, sometimes it's a control thing - whatever! It sounds developmental. He needs to be accepted as he gently, lovingly learns that there are some boundaries to mealtimes. My messiest, most food-throwing kid is now a doctor! G. B.
I have a 3 year old that did the SAME thing. She tossed everything onto the floor-I thought it was just something kids did. Then we had another child (she is 21 mos. old) and she hardly ever throws her food down. My 3 year old obviously outgrew that messy stage, but she is a picky eater. Might be my fault, though. I don't think it had to do with her throwing the food. My 'baby' eats EVERYTHING I put in front of her!! ALL kids are different-just love them and know they'll grow out of it!!!! A friend suggested putting the garbage can next to the child and let them throw it in there!!! No messy floor and they think they are helping!!!
Thanks for asking this question. I have a 17 month old who does the exact same thing. I don't have any good advice, but am looking forward to reading what other moms have to say.
Good luck!
All three of my kids have gone through that stage, it is frustating! I just tell them all done and take them away from the table. Anyway, they all came through it fine and are not picky becuase of that stage. They eventualy grow out of it. Not saying feeding a older todler is aways easy, but they stop throwing the food at least!
Hi S.,
Your little one is learning cause & effect, and gravity. They like to see what happens when things go over the edge or the feeling of the liquid going over their chin. When my 13 month old throws her Cheerios on the floor, I offer her something else. Sometimes, she's just done with that item and would like something else to eat. When she throws then next item on the floor, I cheerfully give the all done sign and take her out of her chair. Use the same technique for the milk. If he spits it out, take it away. Offer it again a few minutes later. If he does the same thing, he must be done.
Another helpful hint, I often give my daughter a spoon if I'm spoon feeding her to keep her hands busy (no toys, we don't play during our meals).
Hang in there. It sounds like you're doing fine.
I would imagine he understands "all done". When he starts throwing it on the floor, tell him "oh! you must be all done" and take the food away and take him out of his chair. He'll get it soon enough. Do you have a dog to help with the clean up?
S.,
I have a 16 month old daughter that I have been going through the same exact thing with (minus spitting out her drinks). She loves cheese, but if I hand it to her plain, she gags. Anyway, the only thing I have come up with is to give her the fork or spoon herself. When she is allowed this independence, she seems to eat much better. Also, last week I asked the doctor about this, and he said it is a phase. And if she refuses to eat, wrap her food up and offer it again in a few hours or when she seems hungry again. Like he said (and you said) they will not starve themselves.
Best of Luck and I feel your pain!
S.
I feel like I am reading about my own son a few months ago. He did the exact same thing. The one thing we found out is that when he said all done then that was all the chance we had to take the plate before it wound up "swept" on the floor. he only said it once..And if we didn't hear him we would have a mess to pick up! Have you tried the bowls w/ the suction cups on the bottom? My son eventually figured them out but for a while they did work.. good luck! A..
A matter of fact "If you're playing with your food like that you must be done" and prompt removal of the plate should help end this stage (and the accompanying cleaning) pretty quickly. :)
When he throws things on the floor--meal time is DONE, and take him down. Tell him no food until next meal/snack. He will learn.
Do you give him plates and utensils? If not, maybe he is bored and ready for the next phase--try it!
GL:)
So nice to know that Im not alone!!! LOL We are reinforcing the signing and trying not to make too much of it in hopes that it is just a phase. I think the less attention we give to the negatives, the better. I think it will pass.
~L.
Hi S.,
I have always givin my kids one warning and then I tell them they are done and get them done. It's always been a pet peeve of mine when kids play and through food at the table. I know kids will be kids but I like to have nice meals where we can reflect on the day.
Chris
