Food Throwing - Steamboat Springs,CO

Hi K.,

We made up a sign for "all done"...my daughter would put her hands up and kind of wave them around, like a turing motion and like if she was ready to get out--to reach up for me to get her. Then I would wipe her off and she'd be put down to run and play... now that she is 2, she usually puts her plate on our kitchen table (she is in a booster chair, that has a tray on it). Good luck with this...I know it can be frustrating. You might have him help you clean it up too... it might help him to not do it. You never know, do you?!

Take care,
A.

Hello, I'm a mother of a 18 month old also. My daughter has only started to be picky as to what she eats but never throws it on the floor. I only give her 1 serving each of what ever we are having. It also helps that we always sit down next to eachother for every meal and snack. I think he might be pushing it off because thats what he sees his mom do to clean it up but with only missing a rag. I can only suggest you might be giving him a bigger serving then he really needs. Maybe try small servings, then have a wet washrag handy so he can clean up like mom does. Hope it helps. Good Luck!

Hi K....

I study child psych and i, too, have a toddler. Sorry, this is a teensy bit long winded...

My little food thrower is now 24 months... it gets better. I believe it's rather important to get a hold of the situation now... before he gets bigger & makes yet even bigger, more intentional messes.

I taught my son some baby signs (by the way, i highly recommend!!)One important table manners sign is "finished". He still uses it today, even though he says it, too.

I believe it's important to sit and eat with your son – even if it’s just a light snack--especially during his early years. Just make time, if you don't already. Our children yearn for our undivided attention and meal time is a perfect opportunity to just get to know one another… take advantage of this break to relax for a few moments together with your young one. Your son learns from watching you & mimicking you and if you aren't there to show him how to sit and eat and keep his food on his tray, how do you expect him to do so?

With consistent, firm & gentle phrases i still (& have since my son was able to sit up and eat at his high chair) remind my son to: say "finished" when he's done rather than just stand up in his high chair or at the table, also, i remind him with, again, consistent, firm & gentle words to "keep your food in your mouth or on your plate/ tray" (which ever applies). Say 'please' and 'thank-you' when asking for 'more'... etc.

My son is a joy to take out to restaurants and family gathering because i know he will behave and he has displayed his table manners at home.

It is totally natural for children to play in their food... i encourage the exploration, but it is totally reasonable to expect them to keep the food on their trays!! You’ve got to show him how.

Positive direction works wonders! Tell your son what you expect and what TO DO rather than what not to do.

Your 18 month old is, actually, according to several recent psychological studies, a heck of a lot more intelligent than scientists had ever before imagined! He just needs a little help with the communication part along with the guided one on one example.

Good luck, You can do it!
D., proud mother of a terrific toddler!

You're right, it is a normal thing. The only advice I have is to put a shower curtain liner under his highchair to help keep the floor clean. I have 3 kids, and I have yet to find a way to stop them from throwing the food in the first place though. Luckily they eventually outgrow it.
Good luck.