Thanks For the Nice Lunch, Mom, But I Think I'll Just Throw It on the Floor Instead

Perhaps a nice grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar cheese on organic whole grain bread? Or, maybe a veggie burger, with zesty hummus to dip it in? Maybe you're more in the mood for a simple peanut butter and jelly- an American classic and one of my personal favorites, as well. Hey, I just remembered, a few days ago you gobbled up the tri-colored pasta with peas that I made for you. Maybe you'd like that? You sure seem eager enough to eat the thoughtful meals that I prepare for you. Okay, here's your fork. Why don't you try to put the food on the fork and put the fork in your mouth. Hey, good job! Isn't that delicious? Would you like some more?

Oh, I see you've decided to express your emotions and independence by looking me squarely in the eyes, giving me a mischievous grin, and throwing the aforementioned delicacies right on the floor. You've been told time and time again that it's not ok to throw your food on the floor and that's it's rude to do so. You even know that your food gets taken away when you throw it on the floor. And, yet, the temptation to hear your veggie burger go SPLAT! on the hardwood and then be promptly eaten by the dog is just too much to resist. I've tried firmly saying "NO!". I've tried ignoring it. I've tried laughing a bit and saying with a sigh, "Oh, c'mon. You know we don't do that." Nothing works.

Toddlers seem to be pre-programed to go through a phase of throwing food on the floor. I have been reassured by more than one friend that this is only a phase and that he will grow out of it. I keep thinking that he's not going to grow at all if he continues to throw all his food on the floor instead of eating it. I suppose it must be fun, and I am more than sure that it is sheer entertainment for toddlers to see the look on their parent's face as the food takes it's plunge to the floor. For the parent, or I should say, for this parent, it is sheer frustration and confusion. Why would you want to throw perfectly good, tasty food on the floor? Why don't you want to eat? When you do eat, why do you only want carbs? Why do you love something one day and then refuse to eat it the next? I guess these are the mysteries of being a parent.