My 2yo DS is an amazing eater, always has been. He weaned like a champ, tries different foods with no fuss, and unless he’s poorly finishes his food without fail.
Until two days ago.
He’s starting hoarding his last mouthful and last mouthful only in his cheek. Then he pretends he can’t see me (covers his eyes, doesn’t talk, ignores siblings). It’s not the food - like I said it’s just the last mouthful after he’s eaten the rest with glee. It’s not too big, not too hot, and the texture is fine. He has no issues with eating almost all of it. Once he puts that last mouthful in though... lunch was 20 minutes before he swallowed. It’s dinner now and we’re on 15 so far. Giving him a drink does nothing to help. I’ve moved the food back into the centre of the mouth to help him... he puts it right back in his cheek. Seeing his siblings get down from the table and go play doesn’t encourage him. He just sits with it in his cheek.
It’s seriously annoying me now. I’ve been calm with him, but it’s striking me as a power play (he’s the second youngest out of 5) more then anything. He’s not I’ll, not fussy, and doesn’t seem to hit any of the other boxes that seem to be common with hoarding food in toddlers. It’s JUST the last mouthful of a meal.
Any advise/help? It’s driving me batty!!!