5 Tips to get your toddler to stop throwing food

 If you're reading this that means you are also struggling with getting your toddler to stop throwing their food while eating. Well guess what you're not alone! I got SO many responses to my question "Advice on how to stop your toddler from throwing food." I'm going to share those responses along with what my game plan is. 

1. Give them less food

I was offering Willa a whole plate of food, and just let her go at it. At first she would eat a few bites then start to play and throw it. I am now offering her smaller portions. As she starts to eat and finish what's in front of her I ask her is she wants more. Then she tells me "more" or she signs "All done" to me.  

2. Teach them to put unwanted food in a "no thank you" area

You can either have a certain place on the highchair tray or offer a bowl that can be the designated "no thank you" area. Slowly try and teach to place food in this area, rather then on the floor if they don't want it. 

3. Seat them at table

There are many benefits to having you child sit at the table with everyone. They start to learn from you and your habits/manners + it is harder for them to throw food when they are at the table. I was using this high chair that was located on the table. It was getting way too messy. I now use her new highchair and pull it up to the table.  

4. Give your child your one on one attention when eating

I am so guilty of this. I usually put Willa in her highchair then use this time to wash dishes in the sink, change the laundry, aka get some chores done while she's strapped in her chair. By sitting down with her and giving her my one on one attention it will be easier to nip the throwing food in the butt. 

5. Use a clear repetitive phrase & stay calm

If they throw food try and be consistent with what you say and how you say it. Instead of saying "No throwing food" Im trying to say "We keep food on the tray" or "We keep your spoon on the tray." I am also trying not to react to the throwing food. By staying calm and collective she is not getting a reaction out of me. If you catch yourself getting worked up (because believe me this has happened to me) take a deep breath. Recollect yourself and try again. This is also a good time to reiterate the "no thank you" area on the tray. 

*6. BONUS 

If you have a dog try putting in another room or outside during feeding times

I've notice that Willa will drop food for Sampson. She will drop it look down and it turns into a fun game for her. So by removing him from feeding time I cut out that distraction. (He can come back and clean up the mess once meal time is over) haha

At the end of the day, I've been told this is a phase. These tips should help manage the issue and hopefully if all of these tips fail, they should eventually grow out of it. For now, I am going to try and implement this as much as possible. Especially the stay calm and not react tip. 

Here are some of my meal time essentials:

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