Table Manners?!

Anna has had some issues eating her purees as of late (spitting, smearing food, knocking it on the floor, etc.), so I started to wonder when we should start teaching table manners... and I think we're going to get serious about the sign language teaching.

William Wilkoff, a pediatric nutrition expert (BabyCenter), says:

"Let's start by being rather broad in our definition of our table manners. 

Let's call it acceptable behavior at the table. I hope that you are setting a good example from the very beginning. This means no arguments at the table and staying seated for the entire meal. It also means no television when you are eating. Don't complain about the food, don't share with your child the list of the foods you don't like and why. In other words, your dinner table behavior should be pleasant, upbeat, and positive, and considerate of others at the table. Whether you put your elbows on the table and how you hold your fork are issues that you can fine-tune later on. 

When your child is beginning to eat in a highchair, do not tolerate intentional spills and food throwing. As soon as it happens, stop the meal and her him/her down, even if he/she hasn't eaten very much. The behavior will stop promptly, or at a minimum, you will quickly learn that he/she isn't hungry. 

As your child becomes a toddler, make it clear that he/she doesn't have to clean his/her plate or even eat anything, but that he/she is expected to behave. He/she may get down from the table and play quietly in the dining area, but he/she doesn't return to the table, and as soon as he/she misbehaves, he/she is in for a time-out. Point on that this "time-out" is not because he/she wasn't eating, but because he/she was misbehaving. 

By following these simple rules your child will soon want to share the dining experience with you and will learn good table manners by watching your example."

I haven't necessarily heard of the not making your kids eat technique, but maybe it's a good idea to focus on behavior first (though I want to see them eat). Hearing what other moms are saying though, we're not the only ones dealing with the meal-fighting. Some kids won't even eat! I think the best bet for us and our issues is to take away the food as soon as she starts playing and to put her down, even though I'm afraid she won't understand and just won't eat... especially since "no" makes her laugh, and if she falls off something, she goes right back to it like five minutes later. It's worth a try though!

What do you think? What are your experiences with your little one? What has worked for you?