Food and mealtimes can become a struggle in the child's third year.  It's important for parents to establish clear boundaries and rules so the children learn at an early age how to behave at meal times.  Here are some points to consider:

1.  Three year olds will NOT learn from lectures about table manners.  They will be able to learn once they are four or five years old.  Spare your self the wasted energy.

2.  Do not press food as an issue.  Don't force a child to eat; its a losing battle.  Simply let the child knoiw if she's through eating that's okay.  The next meal will be served at....... Then, by all means, do NOT feed her until the next meal.  She won't starve and she'll learn a very important lesson.

3.  Offer small portions of food.

4.  As soon as your child begins playing with his food, thank him for letting you know he's done.  have him leave the table.  if he makes a scene, tell him he can cry inhios room or pay you to listen to him, which would he prefer?