Mealtime can be a messy adventure, especially when children are involved. One common challenge for parents is dealing with their child’s habit of throwing food. Not only can this behaviour lead to wasting food, but it can also be frustrating for parents. However, you can help your child overcome this habit and enjoy peaceful mealtimes.
In this article, you’ll explore 6 effective methods for assisting your children in ending their habit of throwing food.
Why Do Children Throw Food?
Children may have the habit of throwing food during mealtime. It is a common and challenging behaviour for many parents to address. It is frustrating, but wasting food is often a normal part of a child’s development and exploration. Here are some insights into why children may engage in this behaviour:
- Exploration and Sensory Experience
- Attention-Seeking Behaviour
- Expression of Independence
- Communication of Discomfort
For infants and toddlers, throwing food can be a way to explore their senses. They understand cause and effect. They may enjoy the tactile sensation of food. They find it interesting to watch what happens when they throw it.
Children may throw food to gain attention from parents or caregivers. They do it if they receive a reaction or response when they engage in this behaviour.
As children grow older, wasting food may be a way for them to assert their independence and autonomy. It is as if they are exploring their preferences and boundaries during mealtime.
Throwing food can be a way for children to communicate discomfort or dislike. It may be for certain foods or aspects of the mealtime environment.
Why is Children’s Habit of Throwing Food Bad?
Children have the habit of throwing food. It is generally considered undesirable for several reasons which are:
- Waste of Food
- Unsanitary Conditions
- Disruptive Mealtime Environment
- Lack of Nutritional Intake
- Development of Negative Habits
- Social and Cultural Norms
Food throwing often leads to food wastage. It is not only costly but also contributes to environmental concerns. Wasting food goes against the value of respecting resources. It can be financially burdensome for families.
Food thrown on the floor or other surfaces can create unsanitary conditions. It also attracts pests and bacteria. This can pose health risks to the child and others in the household. It increases the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.
Food throwing can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of mealtime. It leads to frustration and stress for parents and caregivers. It can also interfere with the enjoyment of meals. It makes dining experiences unpleasant for the entire family.
When children throw food instead of eating it, they may miss out on essential nutrients. They are needed for growth and development. This can impact their overall health and well-being. Food waste for kids can lead to nutritional deficiencies and related health issues.
Don’t allow food throwing to continue without addressing the behaviour. It may reinforce negative habits and attitudes towards food. Children may develop a sense of entitlement or disregard for food. It leads to poor eating habits and attitudes in the long term.
In many cultures, throwing food is considered disrespectful or impolite behaviour. Teaching children appropriate mealtime etiquette and manners is essential. It is for their social development and integration into society.
How to Assist Your Children in Ending Their Habit of Throwing Food?
Food throwing may be a common behaviour in young children. It is because they explore their surroundings and assert their independence. However, addressing and discouraging this habit is important. It promotes a healthy and respectful approach to food and mealtime etiquette. Parents and caregivers can use positive reinforcement, clear communication, and consistent guidance. These 6 methods will help you develop mealtime behaviours and habits in children.
- Set Clear Expectations
- Model Good Behavior
- Provide Positive Reinforcement
- Create a Distraction-Free Environment
- Offer Small Portions
- Involve Your Child in Meal Preparation
Clearly communicate to your child that throwing food is not acceptable behaviour. Use simple and age-appropriate language. Explain why it’s important to eat their food rather than play with it. Set clear boundaries and consistently reinforce them during mealtimes.
Children often mimic the behaviour of adults. So be a positive role model during mealtimes. Sit with your child at the table and show proper eating habits. Teach them to use utensils, chew with their mouth closed, and stay seated until everyone finishes eating. Your child is more likely to follow your example.
Encourage and praise your child when they exhibit good behaviour during meals. Offer specific praise for using utensils, trying new foods, or sitting nicely at the table. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce desired behaviours. It motivates your child to continue behaving appropriately.
Reduce distractions during mealtimes to help your child focus on eating. Turn off the TV, put away electronic devices, and remove noisy toys from the table. Create a calm and quiet environment. It can reduce your child becoming restless and resorting to wasting food.
Avoid overwhelming your child with large portions of food. Instead, serve small portions and allow your child to ask for more if they’re still hungry. Offering manageable portions can help prevent your child from feeling overwhelmed. So they don’t resort to food throwing as a way to express discomfort.
Engage your child in meal preparation activities. It fosters a positive relationship with food. Let them help wash vegetables, stir ingredients, or set the table. Involve your child in the cooking process to increase their interest in trying new foods. It reduces their desire to play with their food.
Ending your child’s habit of throwing food requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Set clear expectations, model good behaviour, and provide positive reinforcement. It helps your child develop healthy eating habits and enjoy peaceful mealtimes together. With time and practice, your child will learn to appreciate food. They will eat without resorting to food throwing.
We, at Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, always try to provide your kid with education that promotes their overall growth. To learn more about our curriculum, contact us today.
