Author Topic: 14 mos old crying at suppertime  (Read 953 times)

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Offline bcmom

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14 mos old crying at suppertime
« on: March 23, 2008, 00:40:18 am »
Well, I have read a number of the previous posts and maybe our problems aren't so new...

My ds is 14 mos old and has been a decent eater.  A bit on the picky side but at least ate three square.

Lately he has absolutely refused to sit in his chair for supper.  He just cries, whips (seriously...not just a throw) stuff off his tray and bangs his head against his seat.  Taking him out doesn't help.  He either cries on the floor and struggles to climb up the chair into my lap or cries in my lap.  I do no think that he is NOT hungry as tonight we managed to get some turnip into him while putting him in his chair and he loved it.  He just doesn't want to sit in his chair and eat at dinner time.

Breakfast and lunch are no problem.  He sits in his chair happily and feeds himself and lets us feed him.  He is very good with a spoon and does a great job.  I don't think it is a question of too much snacking either as we have monitored that also.  I know appetite drops after 12 mos but this is ridiculous...he is not eating anything and having a major tantrum.  I am worried about his nights...so far he is sleeping thru but he is waking up early (5ish) for a feed and then back to sleep.  Not so fun for mommy. 

I just don't know what to do.  Dinner is now upsetting for everyone (we also have a 4 yr old) as ds just screams and cries throughout.  We have tried telling him that he can have food in his chair, that we are eating, that he can be down if he is not hungry, etc.  He has no words and has also recently started to become aggressive in terms of hitting.  Sigh.  My first was an angel baby and I am having trouble dealing with this spirited touchy one!

Any suggestions or encouragement greatly appreciated!  I am hoping it is just a phase...

Thanks in advance!
K

Offline taygensmom

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Re: 14 mos old crying at suppertime
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2008, 01:25:46 am »
A few suggestions:
I would make sure there are at least 3 hrs between the afternoon snack and supper, so that he is motivated to eat. I would also keep that snakc very small.

I really think you need to wean him from that 5 AM feed, as this may contribute to less calorie needs during the day (i.e. not eating supper). Personally I would just offer water or nothing at all when he wakes at this time.

I would continue with the approach of, if you want to get down and be done that's fine, but if you want to eat you need to sit at the table (assuming that's improtant to you).

I would also really suggest implementing some sign language with him, especially signs about food and eating (more, done, different food items). Sign language in general is great for kids who are frustrated and not talking yet, and actually encourages verbal skills and decreases tantrums!!

I would also suggest offering lots of choices surrounding the meal experience. I am not talking about food items (although I would be sure there are at least 3 choices of foods on his plate) but what cup to use, whether wants to sit in booster deat or highchair, etc...

HTH!!!

carly-g

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Re: 14 mos old crying at suppertime
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2008, 01:40:07 am »
Is this the only meal he has with Dad?  If so, maybe he gets a special set next to Dad, or something else to make this meal special? 

Offline Seona1973

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Re: 14 mos old crying at suppertime
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2008, 19:38:57 pm »
What time is dinner?  If it is too late then maybe your lo is too tired to eat properly and that is why he has a tantrum.  Do you have a booster seat you could try instead of the highchair and he could eat at the big table with all of you?  DS (17 months) has just started refusing to sit in his highchair so he sits in the booster or on the chair itself if we are at someone elses house with no highchair/booster seat.