Hi S.! I have a couple of things to tell you. First...I am going through this too with my 23month old and what has really helped us is to use his healthy care booster seat from fisher price. Unlike traditional boosters, it comes with a tray and straps....so you can strap him into the chair and strap the chair onto a real chair...so that really helps--plus there is the option of using the tray or not.
Next--I wanted to invite you to join CityMommy. Its specifically for the area that you live in and is full of info, support and other moms living right near by!
Log onto northjersey.citymommy.com and enter the registration code "njmommy" to join.
ps-we happen to be running a contest right now for a free booster/highchair! LOL!
M.