How do I stop my son from throwing down his sippy cup when he's finished?

Question

Hey! My son is 14-months old and he is still throwing down his sippy cup when he's finished with it. He doesn't sit it down, he CHUNKS it to the floor. He even does it when he's in his highchair. He also throws his late down when he's finished eating. He's been on a sippy cup for about 4 months now and has been walking since he was 9 1/2 months. Does anybody have this problem, how did you stop it!? Thanks so much ladies!

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Answer 1

My son is 2 1/2 and still throws the cup on the floor. I have never yelled at him for it I just always picked it up and walked away with it. At the table when I know he is about to throw it I would sort of help him or make him place it on the table and tell him what a good boy he is and now he places his cup on the table. He is starting to bring me his cup when it is empty and throw it less.

You have to pick your battles and this one will correct itself if you are consistent. For me it was never worth fighting him on.

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

Watch him and catch him before his cup or plate are empty. Then when he is finished take the cup or plate and show him how it is done, letting his hands stay on the item along with your own. Then praise him to the hilt! Whatever you do don't show any reaction if he does throw his cup or plate down. Many times a child will do something negative just because it gets your attention, so scolding him at this point will only encourage him to continue. Young children don't determine between what is "good" attention and what is "bad" attention. To them it is all good. So the more you pay attention to his unwanted behavior the more he will want to do it. For the same reason the more attention you pay to him for putting the cup down nicely the more he will want to repeat that behavior. There isn't any simple or fast fix. Just hang on to the knowledge that by the time he reaches kindergarten he will have stopped doing it.

Answer 3

My sons highchair has a indention where the cup goes. When he first started using a cup we would applaud every time he tried to put the cup in the right spot. Eventually he just started doing it on his own.

I think that table manners start really early. I'm not saying that any toddler isn't going to throw their plate from time to time, but its never too early to show them how to eat properly.
One big thing that helps is Silverware. (Blunt Fork and Spoon to start) The earlier you give them silverware the better. When they see that they are basically eating the same way as you, they learn to emulate your table manners. Also the word Done... is a fairly easy one for a toddler to learn. Try repeating this every time you see your son about to throw his plate across the room. Eventually he'll figure out that done means... Mommy can you get this plate out of here for me??
:o)
Best of Luck!

Answer 4

Don't give him the sippy cup to have all the time. let him eat a few bites then offer something to drink. Then take it back. Place it in front of him, but out of reach. if he wants it, he will reach for it. Keep offering it, but take it away.
You should offer him food on his tray or on the table. That eliminates the plate throwing. if it is something that has to be on a plate, give him a 1/2 of what he normally eats and make him ask or sign for more. Offer praise while eating.
Ususally throwing the plate is a sign of frustration or he is finished. Beat him to the punch. Talk to him and continue asking questions. Are you finished? He may tell you no cuz they usually learn that first. This is a great opportunity to teach yes and no.
make sure he knows that it is NOT okay to put his plate/cup on the floor. If he does it and he cries cuz he's not finished, too bad. Next time don't throw your plate/cup.Now you sit hungry/thirsty. he will learn VERY quickly that he doesn't want to be hungrythirsty and that throwing the plate/cup means he is left hungry/thirsty.

Answer 5

i had the same problem with the kids i take care of. i started watching them soon after they were born. watch your son and when he is about to throw it grab his hand and say no..firmly. set the bottle or sippy cup down and say you dont throw it. say firmly but not yelling. you will have to do this for a lil bit but soon he will catch on...and reward him when he does do it. the oldest boy i watch i had him using coasters by time he was 3 (now almost 5) and the youngest is almost 3 now he knows when he is done with his sippy to sit it on the counter. hope this helps :)

Answer 6

You have to talk to them as an adult and say when your done don't throw it. Put the sippy down like this(show them. Put their hand on the cup and show them what they should do. If you teach them now they will learn. Good luck. :)

Answer 7

hmm. Tricky. Make sure you watch him while he's eating and tell himto tell mommy when it's empty, don't throw it! If you feel he needs it, use what ever methods of punishment on him such as a time out or a spanking to punish him. But thats up to you. Pick your battles. He may just grow out of it. Try always showing and telling him what to do when he's done with it. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Give him a way to tell or show you he's done. Try the sign finish.

The sign for "finish" is made by placing both of your open hands in front of you. Each hand should face you, with your fingers pointing upward. Twist both hands quickly a couple times ending with the palms pointing (somewhat) forward. You can also do this sign with just a single twist which makes it seem more "final."

Answer 9

so does my daughter! she also throws her plate off her tray when she's had enough. i try to catch her before the launch and have her hand it to me and say "all done" some times it works, sometimes it doesn't. worth a try :)

Answer 10

you make him clean it up, pick it up. every time he throws something make him pick it up or c;an up what ever mess it made. It wont be perfect but make him take responsibility for his actions, you may have to clean it better when he is done but dont let him see you. Once he figures out he has to clean up his own mess and mommy the maid isnt going to clean up after him, he will stop.