You've probably bent down to pick up a sippy cup for the millionth time today. Well, scratch that — it's likely a Cheerios shower you're dealing with. It's not fun, I know. So, how do you stop the endless cycle of drop, pick up, repeat?
First, let's make it less appealing. Attach a toy tether to the usual suspects: those cups and favorite teethers. It's like bungee jumping for objects. No more bending over (as much). You might find the Munchkin brand tethers helpful; they do the job and don't break the bank.
Why Do They Do It?
Toddlers enjoy the sound, sight, and — strangely enough — your reaction when things fall. It's a game to them. Ever notice how they giggle as you groan? It's less about defiance and more about experimenting with cause and effect.
Practical Solutions
Let's explore a few options:
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Distraction: Have a backup toy or book ready on the tray (the novelty can distract them for around 20 minutes).
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Limit the Load: Only give them one or two items at a time. Less to drop means less to retrieve.
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Change the Response: Calmly say, "Cup stays on the tray," and give it back once. After the third or fourth time, (when patience is thin), either remove it or ignore the tossing altogether.
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Offer Choices: Tell them, "Food can stay on the tray, or you can hand it to me." It gives them a little control while nudging them towards a positive outcome.
A Real Scenario
Imagine it's 6:30 PM, chaos hour. Your child throws their spoon for sport. You respond with, "We keep spoons on the tray, or they go away." They test your resolve by launching it again. Stay true to your word (I still mess this up sometimes) — remove it. Next time, they might think twice before launching it, or maybe they won't. But eventually, the consistency pays off.
A Small Action
None of these are foolproof, but this evening, try offering a choice with a gentle tone instead of reacting with frustration. Starting now may just give you a slightly less backbreaking dinner time.