This is a good question, but a difficult one to answer, as every parent has their own opinion on how to raise their child and how to behave in different circumstances. Nevertheless, let's have fun thinking about the possible reasons for this gesture (it is difficult to be in your baby's head) and the meaning that your reactions may have for him.
First of all, he is discovering his little independence and is probably testing you:
- If you laugh about it, he will be happy to make you happy.
- If you get angry, he can turn it into a strength by taking comfort in his power and newly acquired autonomy.
Secondly, it is possible to think that a child who taps his mashed potatoes or dips his hands into his dish is learning to tame the material and this could represent an obligatory passage without his new relationship with food. It is also possible to say that the child must learn to distinguish between what is eaten and what is touched like play dough. In other words, set limits for the child and help him or her to find his or her way.
In fact, it is up to you to see what is most important to you and what you want to tolerate and accept. In any case, it is important to be consistent in what you will or will not let the child do. This consistency will allow the child to understand the situation better and adapt much better.
It's up to you, but it must be well thought out and not be an emotional reaction that is sometimes unwelcome. The meal should remain a moment of joy and sharing, which can certainly put the parents' nerves to the test, but which can be overcome with patience, tinged with firmness and always with lots of love. And the child can feel it!
Dr Laurence PLUMEY
Nutritionist. Paris Hospitals IDF
Professor of Nutrition
Author of numerous books for the general public