A.K.
A.,
Try giving him a nice big healthy snack when he wakes up from his afternoon nap (fruit, cheese (protein), carb, water) in his high chair. He might be getting to a "post-hunger" stage where he's been hungry (which equals grouchy) but now he's past the point and the grouchiness has taken over. If he's had a super healthy snack, then you don't have to worry about how much he eats at dinner, but he'll be more pleasant to be around and be able to eat with the family. Also, you could do something new and different at dinner time to keep him occupied. One suggestion, if you have a laptop, is to google "online toddler games" and set up the laptop at the table. At www.kneebouncers.com and www.fisherprice.com you can find toddler games where they only have to hit the keys to keep it going. My son loved these games at 14 months and loves them still now. It's something new and different that you can take out only at meal time to occupy him while supper's getting prepared. Good luck!
Amy K