My 18 month old has started this thing where he dumps all his food out of his bowl or plate and then takes all the food and scoops it off his highchair tray onto his lap, ALL his food. He doesn't eat it... it worries me but everyone says not to worry, he'll eat when he's hungry, but why has he started scooping all his food onto his lap, it makes a terrible mess. I've tried raising my voice to get him to stop, he just looks at me and smiles and continues to do it. I've searched the internet for it and haven't seen anything on it - has anyone else been through this or have any idea how to stop him?
2006-10-20 03:53:36 · 7 answers · asked by katjha2005 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
hehehe. He's just playing. He just isn't going through a grwth spurt now and his food needs have tapered off. My mom said I used to dump everything on my head ( go figure)
I would start by giving him less food at a time. When he dumps it then remove him from the highchair. If he cries for more then let him cry it out for a while.......when he realizes he doesn't get food when he dumps it he'll stop. He's not to young to learn.
2006-10-20 04:00:44 · answer #1 · answered by jachooz 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not to worry, your son is approaching 2, he is testing you. He is trying to get a response or see the response you have to his actions. It is normal behavior for this age, and its now your time to correct him and show him what behavior is acceptable and this is not.
I would try to place small amounts of food on his tray and say he can have more if he eats good like, mommy,daddy,sister,brother. Be firm in your tone and facial expression, that way he knows your serious.
When he eats without playing tell him he did great! If he plays with the food ,tell him no, remove him from the chair, and he can come back when he is ready to eat. Soon he will understand the rules of acceptable behavior.
Firmness, being consistent, follow through, and lots of patience on your part
will get you through the testing phase.
2006-10-20 11:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 2yrs old and she just resently started doing it. Im not sure wh they do it. She takes the spoon and scrapes it out the bowl and let in run down her stomach onto her lap. I had to start removing all her clothes. She eats what she wants and when she starts playing I take her out. You may have to assist him with eating and show him a fun way to eat withot making a mess. Like make airplane noises and train noises. This will distract him from trying to dump it on his lap. Just show him the right way. If you just keep raising your voice it is not teaching him that he is not eating properly.
2006-10-20 15:21:27 · answer #3 · answered by MonaLisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because hes a toddler lol. thats the only reason really. they arent known for being clean eaters. its normal i wouldnt worry. just say to him no in a firm voice and scoop it back up into his plate.if he does it again take it from him. people are right dont worry. he will eat if hes hungry and he will learn not to do it if u take the plate away from him.
children love to play with their food. its a mix of feeling and experimenting - and also can be for attention.
good luck - i remember those days
2006-10-20 11:03:43 · answer #4 · answered by alrightyyy_then 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may like the reaction he is getting from you when he does it. All parents have some sort of problem with their toddler's eating habits. I would bet it's a phase and will soon get past it.
If you are really worried that he's not eating and he's losing weight, then run your concerns by a doctor.
2006-10-20 11:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by chalinsumner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He does it because you LET HIM.
If you teach him that this is unacceptible behavior, he will learn and stop; if you just let him go, he'll do it out of curiosity and never stop until you show him what socially acceptible behavior is and is not.
Your job as a parent is to teach - get to it!
2006-10-20 11:02:55 · answer #6 · answered by drumrb0y 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe he likes the warmth or the attention it brings onto himself
2006-10-20 11:00:51 · answer #7 · answered by R C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋