Child Throwing Food? Here’s Why It Happens and 8 Ways to Handle It
If you work with toddlers, you know the scene well: cereal scattered across the floor, a spoon flying mid-air, or an entire plate of food swiped right off the tray. As a speech therapist and early intervention specialist who supports infant, toddler, and preschool teachers with mealtime struggles in child care, I get asked about food throwing almost every week — usually with the question, “How do I get them to stop?”
The good news is that food throwing is a completely normal part of toddler development. Let’s unpack why it happens and explore practical strategies you can use to make mealtimes calmer and more manageable in your classroom.
What’s Normal
Food throwing is expected for children between 8–18 months, and it can linger into the 2s (sometimes on and off). At this age, toddlers are experimenting with cause-and-effect, practicing independence, and exploring boundaries.
Quick takeaway: Food throwing will happen- it’s developmental, and it won’t last forever.
Why Do Toddlers Throw Food?
Food throwing is communication and exploration. Toddlers may throw food because:
It feels like a game: Cause-and-effect is exciting, especially when it gets a big reaction.
They’re full: Tossing food may be their way of saying, “I’m done.”
They’re overwhelmed: Too much food on the tray can feel overstimulating.
They’re frustrated: Slippery textures or tricky shapes may be too hard to pick up with their current fine motor skills.
They don’t like the food (yet): Throwing is often rejection without words.
Quick takeaway: Throwing is communication. It’s a learning opportunity, not misbehavior.
Practical Strategies for Teachers
1. Stay calm and keep it neutral
It’s tempting to react quickly, but even an enthusiastic “no!” can feel like a fun game to toddlers. A calm, steady response is the best way to reduce throwing.
2. Use “can do” language
Instead of focusing on what not to do, show them what to do:
“You can scoop it.”
“You can mix, mix, mix.”
“You can take a bite or put it on your plate.”
“You can drink it or put it down.”
3. Notice what they’re doing well
Reinforce positive behaviors by pointing them out:
“That was a great sip!”
“Wow, look at you dipping!”
“You’re keeping your food on the plate!”
4. Teach ways to engage with food
Model skills and language during mealtimes:
“It’s hot. Let’s blow on it.”
“I’m going to take a bite.”
“I put my drink next to my plate.”
5. Reduce overwhelm
Too much food at once can invite throwing. Start with small servings, about a tablespoon of each food. If they want more, offer just a teaspoon at a time.
6. Decrease frustration
If food is too slippery or tricky to grasp:
Slice into smaller, easier-to-hold shapes.
Lightly coat with crumbs for grip.
Try crinkle cuts. (I love this crinkle cutter for avocados, peaches, mango, and more!)
7. Teach “all done”
Sometimes food throwing means the child is finished. Model words or signs for “all done” and “more,” and give wait time. If they signal “all done” or keep throwing, gently remove the tray and model: “All done.”
8. Keep exposing to disliked foods
If the same food keeps getting tossed, continue offering very small portions of this food alongside foods the child enjoys. Over time, repeated, pressure-free exposure builds familiarity. This is a picky eating strategy too!
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Food throwing may feel messy and overwhelming, but it’s a normal part of toddler development. By staying calm, offering clear guidance, and using simple strategies, you can help toddlers build independence and communication skills! Want more tips for creating calmer, more positive mealtimes in your classroom, join the training and earn your required training hours. We are an IACET approved organization!
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