Teaching a toddler not to throw food on the floor... and to eat it!

[dodi1978]

At nursery, my DS, 17 months, usually polishes off his plate. At home, he has rather taken to throwing food on the floor (in particular if he doesn't like it) and to be rather selective about eating. He continues to be starch boy (potatoes, pasta, bread).

We have started taking his plate away when he throws food on the floor. We tell him "no, we are not throwing food on the floor", but then give the plate back to him after a minute or so. Is this a good approach? Any other advice? And any other advice on getting him to eat more than just the starchy stuff on the plate?

On the whole, I am not that worried about his diet. As I said, at nursery, he is a good eater, and he also loves fruit if offered. Occasionally on a good day, he will eat some meat.

Thanks :--))

Need to add, that, so far, our taking the plate away and giving it back after a minute hasn't worked yet...

I tend to think this is a normal stage - the less fuss you make about it the sooner the fun will wear off!