Altson

I've always fed my kids when we eat, it's a great time to teach socialization skills and manners. I agree w/the other poster, put the food on his plate or tray, tell him it's time to eat, then let him do his thing. When you're done, you're done. If he's hungry, he will eat. If he's not or thinking you'll do it for him, it will only take a few times for him to realize he needs to do it himself.

I have a friend who STILL fed her 2 1/2 year old EVERY meal because she didn't want him to disrupt the family and/or "get dirty", it was incredible. I'm not saying that's what you're doing, but I know it's easier to feed them yourself, but not always better for them.

If he's still in a high chair, maybe a booster in one of your regular chairs would be a fun, new thing for him and ease the transition to being a "big boy" at meal times. Have him choose what he wants on his plate from the food you're having, that's always fun for them also.

Kids are very much in to control, if he's getting the sense he's controlling you through his meal times, he will continue to do so. Kind of like this - wow, Mommy keeps telling me to eat, then when I don't, she feeds me and gives me lots of attention or I get to eat first and then play, etc.

Hang in there!