Your toddler is fascinated with throwing things, but if you aren’t prepared to keep running after his toys, DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON offers these solutions.
Your toddler is fascinated with throwing things, but if you aren’t prepared to keep running after his toys, DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON offers these solutions.
Your one-year-old likes to throw things and this seemed like fun at first. But is your child’s habit creating all sorts of problems?
For example, when he throws food, which ends up staining the floor; when he tosses something heavy or sharp, which can be dangerous, or when he keeps “accidentally” dropping his spoon time and again so you can return it to him.
And if you’ve ever sat with your little one during a plane ride, you’ll have discovered how far he can throw a toy down the aisle, inconveniencing you and other passengers.
Here’s what you first need to understand. For one-year-olds, throwing is:
• A part of the learning experience. That’s why your toddler never tires of looking to see how far the object went, and what happens when it lands.
• An emotional release. When Junior is upset or frustrated, he tries to release those negative feelings by throwing objects.
• A way to seek attention. Your child may have learnt that you’re always running over and picking up toys for him.
This is likely to be a phase that he’s going through. Within a year or so, he will be more interested in playing with a toy, or in eating his food than throwing it.
For now, while you can give him firm warnings, he may ignore them altogether.
Try these strategies instead.
Limit what he can grab
For example, when he is in his high chair, make sure he can reach only his own plate, spoon and cup. Or, allow him to play only with sturdier toys.
This will not completely prevent your little one from throwing things, but can limit any potential damage.
Let the object remain where it is
Don’t give him a replacement. If he knows that he cannot retrieve the object he threw, he will no longer do it. He may howl with rage, but he will be less likely to repeat this action.
Tell him to keep the toy close; if he throws it, he won’t get it back.
Help him develop a new habit
Sit with him when he’s playing with a toy, or when he is having his meals. The moment you think he is about to throw the item, remove it from his grasp, put it back in front of him, and say: “No, you mustn’t throw things.”
Prepare to repeat this several times every day.
