While developmentally appropriate, messy eating can be super frustrating for parents. Food waste and constant clean-ups may drive parents to spoon-feed their toddlers, but research shows there are important benefits in having toddlers practice feeding themselves.

‍

Here's what to do in practice:

• Remind parents this is normal toddler behavior and not "acting out"
• Suggest to parents that they consider serving smaller portions at a time (less prone to throwing)
• Encourage families to introduce utensils
• Offer families ideas for encouraging messy play elsewhere - like in the sandbox or bathtub.

‍

You can also use our Sparks Video Series to help with anticipatory guidance around messy eating and much, much, more. Check them out here and have your parents sign up for text messaging to receive the videos and developmental education between visits by texting SPARKS to 274 448.