Need Advice on Highchair Tantrums

Hi S.! I have a 15 month old son and I have these same issues with him sometimes. I've found that the tantrums are more out of frustration that "I" want to feed him. He wants to work the fork or spoon. Since she eventually is feeding herself you could try giving her a spoon or fork (which ever is most practical for what she's eating) and see if this helps. Even though he does it on his own...he still needs my help getting some of the food on the utensil. I've established a motion for him to tell me when he's all done. So after he's eaten some and seems to be getting fussy I motion and ask him if he's "all done." If he responds with "our motion" (arms out to the sides palms up), he gets to get out of his highchair. He knows this means meal time is over. He won't motion unless he's done eating. It's worked for us so far. Not saying we don't have our moments either...but it's not very often. I hope this helps some for you! Good luck! :)

I think I would just wait it out...continue to eat your meal as if you don't notice anything wrong. If it is a control issue letting her get down will show she is in control not you.

Hey S.,

Fifteen months is the age marked for the beginning of tantrums to start occurring. It's just one of 4 ways children express pent up frustration, communicate their feelings, and find their feelings getting the best of them. Never ignore a tantrum and never give into one.

Actually, the best way to respond to a tantrum is to stay close to her and listen. Validate what you think she's feeling, "You're feeling angry right now. Mommy's here and I know what to do."

The hardest thing to do is to be present with our child through their emotional highs and lows. If it helps to get her out of the chair, then do that. You don't have to encourage her to tantrum by fussing over her, but you don't have to distract her or stop her from tantrumming. She is needing to feel emotionally safe. Tantrumming disappears more quickly through this phase when parents are able to create emotional safety in their home. You should find that if you are present to her during her outburst, by staying close and validating her if you think it will help, that after her tantrum she will be happier, relaxed, and more cooperative.

I highly recommend that you listen to my podcast on tantrums at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/noblemother/2008/11/20/tempe...

Hope this helps!

R., Parent Coach
founder
www.noblemother.com
"Providing support to mamas of preschoolers."

Three things came to mind when I was reading your request:

(1) Your child may be uncomfortable and has outgrown the highchair. If she's big enough, you may want to move her to a booster seat.

(2) and (3) are less likely, but...
It may still hurt in her ears when she swallows, and she is frustrated because she wants to eat but is having difficulty.

Or (and this happened to my child), she may have a slightly sore bottom from the Omnicef and notices it more when she's sitting/restrained.

Best of luck!

I think sometimes they just "out grow" the highchair. My daughter started refusing to get into her highchair and threw tantrums if we tried to put her in it. Even at restaurants, she wont get in one....its like it happened overnight. Mealtime became such a battle, I didnt know what to do. I bought an attachment that you put on a chair to make the chair higher and she has been sitting at the table like a big girl since she was 17 months old. It worked for us or maybe try a booster that attaches to a chair or another area where she can eat. I know you say it hasnt happened everytime but just a thought :-)