HOW DO I STOP THE FOOD THROWING?

Food throwing is a way for toddlers to communicate. Here are some strategies to manage it:

• Be Proactive: Start meals by reminding your child, “Food stays on the table.”
• Stay Calm: Respond calmly and gently remind them, “Food stays on the table.” Avoid turning it into a game by constantly replacing food.
• Model Communication: Encourage your child to express when they’re done or offer alternatives like a “no-thank-you plate” for autonomy.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child for keeping food on the plate and model good mealtime behavior.
• Natural Consequences: If food hits the floor, involve your child in cleanup—this helps them learn responsibility.
• Modify Food Size: Ensure food is easy to handle. If slippery, coat with almond meal or similar textures to improve grip.
• Distract Hands: Offer baby cutlery to keep their hands busy and reduce throwing.

For more tips on why toddlers throw food and how to handle it, check out our full blog.

• Read the full blog on Food Throwing
• Listen to the podcast on Food Throwing