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Disclaimer: I'm looking for advice but I won't punish or use 'consequences'. TIA.
My 3 year old has dumped everything he's had to eat (when he's done, I'm guessing) for the last two weeks. I am wondering if this is a phase. He will eat some of what is on the plate and then dump it on the floor. Or drink some from a cup and dump it on the floor.
I'm tired of cleaning up food and drink and I tell him that in a gentle voice. 'When the food is on the carpet, I get frustrated because I have to stop and clean it up.' I don't want to shame him about it or say, 'okay, that's it! no more xxxx to eat/drink'. I don't want to get into a battle of wills on this.
My 8 month old, btw, watches him do this and thinks it's hilarious. At least that helps me keep somewhat of a sense of humor in the frustration.
Wait it out? I do invite him to help me clean up and he does. Oh, I should also mention that when he is angry, he will throw food, take a bag of chips and dump it, or pour all his water on the floor. What does that mean? I'm serious, I need to understand why he does that.
I can also feel it coming on sometimes, when he seems close to being full and it's like this vibe comes up and I know he is going to throw something. Guests in our home say, 'wow, great catch' when I catch him mid throw but I truly can sense it sometimes!
Thanks. I know this won't last forever but it's pretty annoying right now.

My 3 year old has dumped everything he's had to eat (when he's done, I'm guessing) for the last two weeks. I am wondering if this is a phase. He will eat some of what is on the plate and then dump it on the floor. Or drink some from a cup and dump it on the floor.
I'm tired of cleaning up food and drink and I tell him that in a gentle voice. 'When the food is on the carpet, I get frustrated because I have to stop and clean it up.' I don't want to shame him about it or say, 'okay, that's it! no more xxxx to eat/drink'. I don't want to get into a battle of wills on this.
My 8 month old, btw, watches him do this and thinks it's hilarious. At least that helps me keep somewhat of a sense of humor in the frustration.
Wait it out? I do invite him to help me clean up and he does. Oh, I should also mention that when he is angry, he will throw food, take a bag of chips and dump it, or pour all his water on the floor. What does that mean? I'm serious, I need to understand why he does that.
I can also feel it coming on sometimes, when he seems close to being full and it's like this vibe comes up and I know he is going to throw something. Guests in our home say, 'wow, great catch' when I catch him mid throw but I truly can sense it sometimes!
Thanks. I know this won't last forever but it's pretty annoying right now.