My 2 year old girl is a great eater - but won't stop throwing her spoon!

[ERL]

My little girl is a great eater, but for the last 6 months, she insists on throwing her spoon after sometimes every mouthful! Needless to say, it's getting frustrating! Getting cross doesn't seem to phase her and we are the only ones that get wound up - so we're always quite calm about picking the spoon up. Although we do tell her that it's naughty and to keep the spoon in her bowl, blah blah blah. We're pretty consistent with what we tell her, but it's been going on for so long now and it does cause a problem, especially when eating out and we're constantly on our guard for flying cutlery!! It appears to be something she's grown into doing - she didnt do this at first when she started to feed herself. The food itself isn't the problem - in general, she's a great little eater, it's the empty spoon that constantly gets thrown. Any one else battling with this problem or have any advise?!

Just ignore it! It's really not important! She is definately picking up on the fact you're getting annoyed and it's turning into a game for her. If she throws it, don't pick it up for her, let her finish with her fingers unless she asks for it back, then give it to her. Really, don't let it bother you, she will grow out of it.

as above post

as above

n stop picking it up.........its a game

Yep - it's a game. You can't expect table manners for some while. I wouldn't even pick the spoon up - just silently hand her another - and another, and another. Pick 'em all up afterwards!

DS used to fling his spoon at me every morning after breakfast. It got a bit annoying...

One morning, when he was just about to finish, I just said to him "I really don't like it when you throw your spoon at me. Can you pass it nicely instead?". He did pass it to me, so I went completely over the top with praise, huge smile, clapping and cheering and telling him that I was really pleased he decided to pass the spoon instead of throwing it. We did this every morning for a while, until that became the habit instead of the throwing and then I didn't praise any more, just thanked him.

I did feel like a bit of a prat but all the praise and attention that DS got for not throwing really worked. He'll even say "I not throw, I give you the spoon mummy." and looks all pleased with himself.

ERL just wanted to let you know that my 2.2 son does exactly the same thing. Throws spoon down onto floor with great relish and force after EVERY mouthful. I have no advice of my own to give as he is speech delayed and has also had glue ear and shows little understanding of anything I say but the advice given by others looks good. Grrrr it is SO annoying isn't it. I take some comfort in the probability that he is unlikely to still be doing this age 16 (but then who knows!)

If you cannot not stand the constant throwing this may prove to solve your problem??

you could try some plastic spoons from Ikea. they come in a set of maybe 12 knives, forks, spoons, quite colorful and comfortable to use (I even like using them), but they would lack a satisfying clang when dropped.