Monday, November 28, 2005

Mealtime Misery

Ok, fellow mothers - please help! I am struggling with a willful 12-mo old during meal times and am not really sure what to do about it. She has hardly eaten a thing today because I won't tolerate her behavior.

Here's what happens:
Put baby in highchair.
Put on bib.
Pray.
Offer drink.
Begin feeding - she is currently eating baby food still.
Feeding goes ok for a few bites, then she tries to forcefully grab or fling the spoon out of our hand.
So, we take her out of the highchair, take off the bib, put her in her crib for 3 minutes and then start over again. But, this is not working - she just won't cooperate.

I was thinking that she was getting tired of baby food which is fine because I'd prefer if she moved on to table food. So, after offering her baby food today and going through the fit - I offered her a slice of apple. This worked initially, but resulted in the same thing - where she threw it in disgust onto the floor more than once. I do not want her to get used to me offering her multiple things just so she'll eat and then get even pickier.

Any suggestions?

3 comments:

Kathryn said...

I happened upon your blog link when I was reading my sisters blog(Mrs.MaryAnnsHouse)...I'm bookmarking it to read. My husband and I also met on eHarmony in Jan 2003 and were married in July 2004. I have no comment on the eating problems, my baby is only 3 1/2 months old...anyway, love your blog--God bless!!
Kathryn

Anonymous said...

This entry reminded me of more than one meal-time "battle" with Emily's mommy!

Maybe she isn't really hungry and just wants to play. Have you tried taking the food away for awhile and giving her something to play with while you and David eat? You could still be sitting at the table together as a family, but not dealing with flying food. (It may be flying toys instead! If so, try tying them to her highchair.)

Good luck!
Love, Mom

Monica Wilkinson said...

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of the fact that she is not hungry. The thought that keeps coming to me is that she is tired of baby food. Last night was a lot better, we tore up pieces of tortilla and she ate more than half a tortilla that way. So, maybe I'll try that again. Tying the toys to the highchair is a good idea too - and giving her a spoon to play with. Thanks for the ideas!