It is really upsetting for the parents to see their young kids throwing food on the floor. However, you don't need to take it out on your kid as they don't know it yet that this type of behavior is wrong. For them, it's just an experimentation -- discovering what will happen when they throw food across the room.
Thus, it is important for the parents to stay calm and give their toddlers time to learn how the world works around them. For the meantime, just revel with the mess and apply these helpful tips.
Just place smaller portions on your child's plate.
When the throwing of food becomes a definite pattern, then it's time to adjust his meal into smaller portion. After which, sit beside him and show him how you properly eat your food, so he will be encouraged to finish his meal.
Stay calm and keep your expression neutral.
If your child starts to throw his food, don't smile or show any frustration. Instead, remind your child that mealtime is for eating and definitely not for playing. But if the tossing continues, remove his plate and calmly say, "I guess you're not hungry, so I will take your tray now and help you down."
However, if he gives you a sign that he isn't done eating yet, then wait for another moment. But if the throwing begins again then take him out from his chair. Doing this every day can make him understand that food throwing means the meal goes away. Then, you can offer him snack soon after if you're concerned your baby hasn't eaten enough.
Distract your little one's attention.
Let your child use child-appropriate utensils when he is eating his food. And while he is busy trying to feed himself, feed him with another set of meal.
Feeding your baby can be messy. But always remember food-tossing is just part of the development. Eventually, it will pass. Just be consistent on following on these tips and you will surely see an improvement.
