My strong-willed, independent 14-month-old daughter wants to eat only if she’s feeding herself. Every meal (and it feels like she eats all day long) requires a complete strip down and warm wash cloth, and on particularly messy meals – a full blown bath. I need a mop, a vacuum and a waterproof dining room.
The whole process could (and probably should) be classified as a natural disaster – if only she weren’t so proud and so pleased to be feeding herself. It really does bring her joy! She doesn’t see the messes and I shouldn’t either.
Life is messy. But so full of blessings, even if they are covered with cereal and yogurt.
Lana says
I had to chuckle when I saw this picture–I looked identical to my daughter at that age. Shes grown now but I still smile from ear to ear whenever I see the picture of her covered from head to toe in cottage cheese. Her hair was matted with little white lumps of cheese and her eyes were beaming with pride!
Beth says
All I have to say is to let them try. It is important to let your toddler feed themselves. And by all means put a bib on they child because we all know that the food is going to miss their mouth alot. Toddlers are suppose to feed themselves. All 5 of my children were feeding themselves by this age with mom or dad sitting in front of them with our own spoon to help catch the mess and scope it into their mouth. Enjoy these moments because before you know it they will be grown up.
Debbie says
Just wanted to encourage all of you with toddler new to feeding themselves. My son was extremely independent about feeding at this age, and we now embarass him with the story of how he would grab the spoon and declare “No! I DO!” He’s 17 now and as strong-willed as ever. Don’t worry..the messy eating WILL get better. One tip is to strip the child to diaper, use a large men’s tshirt to cover her, then only one shirt to wash. I think the best thing to put under the high chair is the DOG! LOL!
Hang in there! It doesn’t last forever! You’re making great memories!
Jennifer says
My youngest would do that too. We finally found out that she was getting herself messy on purpose so that she would have to take a bath…she’s almost 6 now and she asks to take a bath at least 2 times a day š
Vee says
We used a towel (red, of course)as a “super cape”. Our little guy never noticed that it was on “backwards” and went directly into the wash.
Jessica M. says
That is so adorable! I’m too afraid of letting my almost 14 month old feed herself yogurt (or anything liquidy for that matter).
Pamela says
I needed this reminder as well. I don’t know who is worse, my 8 month old or my 24 month old. Needless to say, my carpet has taken a beating and the washer seems like it is always running!
Kirsten says
My own strong-willed, independent 17-month-old son is the same… this is what I needed to hear this morning… “(He) doesn’t see the messes and I shouldn’t either.” – I’m gonna put that on my fridge as my daily reminder… Thanks! š
Maegen says
This was my youngest to a t.
We put a big plastic tablecloth underneath his spot and started feeding him with his top off.
We also put smaller amounts in at a time.
It was still a disaster, but a bit more manageable.
He’s still messy, and he’s 6!