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There is no denying that disarming an eating toddler and taking full control of the feeding process will bring any meal to be faster, more efficient, and much tidier. However, for a toddler, eating is not an exercise in speed, efficiency, and neatness. In addition to provide him with some nourishment, eating is an important learning experience – but only if he has the chance to feed himself.

The only sure way to avoid mealtime mess is to withhold all food and drink, which is an impossible solution. So you have to find a way to minimize the effect of his mess. Try using the sleight-of-hand measures to deal with food blowing, as well as the following techniques for food throwing:

Rationing. Many children feel free to squander food when a rich bounty is set before them, so place just a few bites of food in front of your child at a time. Add a few more as those are consumed.

Distraction. Using a spoon to feed himself may occupy his attention so much, that he will not feel compelled to overturn his bowl. Or try substituting an acceptable game such as “You take a bite of your cereal and then I will take a bite of mine”

Fastening. Use a bowl for kids that can be attached to the table or high chair tray with suction cups so that your toddler can not whisk the bowl over the side.

Bouquets. Praise your toddler when he is (relatively) neat and make little fuss over his little messes. When the little messes lead to total mealtime mayhem, end the meal.

Then, how to keep your toddler definitely away from the-food-blowing action, try these tips:

Change type of foods. Sometimes a toddler is really tempted to throw foods that easy to be thrown, such as squishy items as strained fruits and vegetables, baby cereal, oat meal, or yogurt. Toddler likes the sound of splat and blow effects that make him enjoy the food blowing. Change it with foods in pieces, shapes, or slices. Tell him that he can have his yogurt if he does not blow it, but if he does you will take it away again.

Ask him to do the self feeding. Admitted that self-feeding takes longer and is often messier, but your toddler is got to take this developmental step one of these days, anyway. Just make sure that everything you offer is safe to eat. Pay attention to all chock able foods, such as peanuts, popcorn, raisins, seeds, and other similar items.

Let him play to an empty house. If he does not have an audience, your child will not get as much satisfaction out of performing and may not feel compelled to perform at all. Put his food in front of him, and then busy yourself in the same room. If you hear a razz, do not turn around. If you accidently catch him in the act, do not blink an eye and certainly do not smirk.

Warn him. When he blows, he needs to know he is blowing it. With a poker-straight face, give him a simple, firm warning, “No blowing”. If the blowing continues, repeat, “No blowing”, and add, “If you play with your food, I will have to take it away.” The third time he razzes, remove the meal promptly. Even if your toddler does not completely understand your words, he will soon get your meaning.

Though you can not always prevent your toddler from making a mess when he eats, you can reduce some of the work the mess spells for you. Spread some newspaper or a sheet of plastic under his high chair and seat him as far away from walls and no washable furniture as possible. Put him a bib with long sleeves to protect his shirt from the mess, or if he refuses the bib, dress him for meals in his most dispensable sloths (or, if the temperature permits, no clothes at all).