Well, this weekend we tried something new (and something that we probably should have been doing for a long time now). I gave him control.
Before we took a little trip to the store I fed him lunch and because I wasn't up for a battle I broke out a jar. I gave him two spoonfuls and then put the spoon in his hand. He was very eager about scooping the food (or at least sticking it in the bowl) and putting it in his mouth. Of course he also investigated with his other hand, but at least he didn't dump it on the floor.
He did a reasonably good job at getting the food in his mouth and he as very pleased with himself.
When we went to Wal-Mart I made sure to pick up some of the bowls with the suction cup on the bottom so we could stick one to his tray and (hopefully) keep him from slinging it on the floor. Dinner that night consisted of a jar of spaghetti and meat sauce with some macaroni noodles added in. He was decidedly less neat with this eating endeavor.
He did do some eating so I am counting it as a success. I'm thinking we will need to ditch the cushion on his high chair once and for all, though. If not I will be washing it daily.
Of course HE will need to partake in one of his favorite activities after mealtime:
He's not the neatest eater in the world, but the important thing is that he was eating and he was interested in the food.
Tonight I have some veggies to steam for him and I picked up some sweet potatoes since he loves those. I know it's going to be a looooong process, but I'll take the baby steps forward as a win for now.
aaaw, well at least he is eating! I think I handed my little one his own spoon at like 8 mos and said go for it. He is two now and eats better and neater than those his age. I am a firm believer that letting them do it on their own (even though they will make a mess) is the key! Hopefully he likes it enough to eat better for you! Happy Monday! Love that last shot...super cute!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I should have let him do it a long time ago. My husband is a total neat freak and I figured he would go nuts with Andrew flinging stuff, but since it was just the two of us all day I let him have at it. From now on it's all him.
DeleteAhh! The bath pic is precious! Toddlers are so funny when it comes to food. Depending on Colin's mood, he might NEED utensils or he might refuse them and only want finger foods. There's no telling with him! He will almost always, however, eat pasta, grilled cheese, waffles, spaghetti-o's, and chicken.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are at least having some progress, I know this is a big source of stress for you. Maybe this means he won't eat you out of the house as a teenager. You can only hope.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's progress! Baby steps! Also he is so adorable with all that spaghetti all over!
ReplyDeleteI agree, giving B control has been a win. Although mommy does NOT like the mess...at all...she's been really enjoying using utensils. You're doing awesome! Does he eat yo baby yogurt? Meijer has some great greek yogurt for kids B is loving!
ReplyDeletehaha, this is great! Looks like you are making progress!
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