Handling your toddler's independence
Encourage your toddler to make small choices on a daily basis – this allows him to develop his own independence and helps him to decide what he likes and wants himself.
It may very well be that your toddler is refusing the food you offer him just to show you who is boss! Try putting two bowls in front of him and allow him to choose which one he'd like to eat. You don't mind whether he chooses the chopped, cooked turnip or the cooked carrot pieces, but by enabling him to make a choice, he feels more in control of his mealtimes.
Think positive.
Reward good mealtime behaviour with stickers or hand stamps – firm favourites with most young toddlers. And don't be afraid to offer new foods. It's best to assume he'll like them, even if your past experience suggests otherwise!
Find out more about feeding your baby at this stage »
