Hi,
We have a 15 mo DS who is a great eater - will eat, or at least try, pretty much everything. No problems in that regard. He's a whizz with a spoon and feeds himself nicely.
However, he will throw or drop bits of his dinner - while looking at us and smiling. And paint with his food, using his hands - splodge it all over his highchair etc. Not all the time, but occasionally.
We've tried saying no, but it makes him laugh so now we ignore it and take the food away if he's finished eating and is just playing, telling him 'all finished' or something like that. We give him lots of praise for eating & eating nicely.
My gut instinct is that this is normal and we shouldn't really stop him unless it's too bad - e.g. deliberately flinging handfuls about. He DOESN'T do that, I'm just using it as an example. I also think that he eats well because he enjoys his mealtimes and don't want him to be afraid of getting messy or getting food on his hands.
It's just that we're starting to get a few comments from family about how they wouldn't allow their kids to do it.
I'm just wondering whether you all agree and what age to try and address this further (or is it something he will grow out of)? He is our first and neither of my parents are alive, so will rely on MN wisdom!