{"id":984,"date":"2025-10-18T04:26:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T04:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blogs\/?p=984"},"modified":"2025-10-30T14:35:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T14:35:30","slug":"how-to-encourage-independent-eating-in-toddlers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/how-to-encourage-independent-eating-in-toddlers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Encourage Independent Eating in Toddlers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-encourage-independent-eating-in-toddlers-12-proven-parenting-tips-that-build-confidence-and-healthy-habits\"><strong>How to Encourage Independent Eating in Toddlers: 12 Proven Parenting Tips That Build Confidence and Healthy Habits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s dinnertime.<br>You\u2019ve prepared your toddler\u2019s favorite meal \u2014 soft rice, some vegetables, and a splash of curd.<br>But as soon as you offer the spoon, your little one turns away, saying \u201cNo, Mama!\u201d while trying to grab the spoon themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You sigh. The mess, the food everywhere, the stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what if this very moment \u2014 the messy, chaotic, food-flinging one \u2014 was the start of something beautiful?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s the beginning of <strong>independent eating<\/strong> \u2014 one of the biggest milestones in a child\u2019s emotional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And as every parent soon learns, independence at the dining table is not just about food.<br>It\u2019s about <strong>trust, confidence, coordination, and emotional growth<\/strong> \u2014 the same core principles that <strong>TinyPal<\/strong>, your AI-powered parenting companion, helps you build in your child every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.tinypal.com\/pa-start-for-free-hero\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/manage-traunts.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/manage-traunts.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/manage-traunts-300x266.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/manage-traunts-600x533.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#how-to-encourage-independent-eating-in-toddlers-12-proven-parenting-tips-that-build-confidence-and-healthy-habits\">How to Encourage Independent Eating in Toddlers: 12 Proven Parenting Tips That Build Confidence and Healthy Habits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#1-understand-why-independent-eating-matters\">1. Understand Why Independent Eating Matters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-start-early-but-follow-their-cues\">2. Start Early, But Follow Their Cues<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-make-mealtime-a-safe-exploration-zone\">3. Make Mealtime a Safe Exploration Zone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-use-the-3-e-rule-encourage-empower-engage\">4. Use the 3E Rule: Encourage, Empower, Engage<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5-model-the-behavior-you-want-to-see\">5. Model the Behavior You Want to See<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6-offer-choices-within-boundaries\">6. Offer Choices (Within Boundaries)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#7-create-a-calm-mealtime-environment\">7. Create a Calm Mealtime Environment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#8-never-force-feed\">8. Never Force-Feed<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#9-introduce-finger-foods-first\">9. Introduce Finger Foods First<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#10-celebrate-progress-not-perfection\">10. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#11-respect-appetite-fluctuations\">11. Respect Appetite Fluctuations<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#12-make-mealtimes-emotional-not-transactional\">12. Make Mealtimes Emotional, Not Transactional<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-tiny-pal-difference-guidance-that-grows-with-your-child\">The TinyPal Difference: Guidance That Grows with Your Child<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#testimonials\">Testimonials<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-understand-why-independent-eating-matters\"><strong>1. Understand Why Independent Eating Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Independent eating is more than a convenience. It\u2019s a foundation for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Self-reliance:<\/strong> Your toddler learns \u201cI can do it myself.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fine motor development:<\/strong> Handling spoons, cups, and food strengthens coordination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confidence &amp; autonomy:<\/strong> Each bite builds trust in their abilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthy food relationships:<\/strong> Kids who control eating develop better habits and less anxiety around food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to child psychologists, allowing toddlers to explore food freely helps prevent picky eating later \u2014 because they feel ownership over what goes into their mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=parenting+app+tinypal.com&amp;ie=UTF-8\">TinyPal\u2019s <\/a>parenting insights<\/strong> guide parents to know <em>when<\/em> to encourage independence and <em>how<\/em> to do it without creating stress or mess anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-start-early-but-follow-their-cues\"><strong>2. Start Early, But Follow Their Cues<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every child develops at a unique pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some show interest in self-feeding as early as 10\u201312 months, while others take longer.<br>TinyPal\u2019s AI-driven parenting guidance helps you recognize signs of readiness, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reaching for food or utensils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showing interest in others eating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trying to hold a spoon or cup<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encouragement at the right time builds confidence. Pushing too soon can create frustration or aversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTinyPal taught me to follow my child\u2019s curiosity, not the calendar.\u201d \u2014 <em>Elena, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-make-mealtime-a-safe-exploration-zone\"><strong>3. Make Mealtime a Safe Exploration Zone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, it will get messy. That\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encouraging independent eating means accepting spills as part of growth.<br>TinyPal calls this the <strong>\u201cLearn Mess Method\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 a stage where sensory exploration improves hand-eye coordination and tactile learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use silicone mats and bibs for easy cleanup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer finger-friendly foods (soft fruits, boiled veggies)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sit together so your toddler mimics your behavior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more relaxed the environment, the more confident your child feels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-use-the-3-e-rule-encourage-empower-engage\"><strong>4. Use the 3E Rule: Encourage, Empower, Engage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal\u2019s parenting experts created the <strong>3E Rule<\/strong> to help parents make mealtimes stress-free:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Encourage:<\/strong> Use positive language \u2014 \u201cYou\u2019re doing great!\u201d instead of \u201cDon\u2019t spill.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Empower:<\/strong> Let your child choose between two spoons or bowls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Engage:<\/strong> Talk about the food \u2014 \u201cWhat color is this?\u201d \u201cHow does it taste?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These micro-conversations turn eating into learning, fostering both <strong>language and emotional growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-model-the-behavior-you-want-to-see\"><strong>5. Model the Behavior You Want to See<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children learn best through imitation \u2014 a psychological principle known as <strong>mirror learning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sit together and eat the same foods when possible. Show joy, curiosity, and patience.<br>Your toddler will begin to mimic your hand movements and expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal\u2019s daily parenting guidance encourages <strong>co-eating routines<\/strong> \u2014 short, intentional mealtimes that strengthen connection and emotional safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.tinypal.com\/pa-start-for-free-hero\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ways-to-Stop-Tantrums-in-Children-1024x573.png\" alt=\"Best Parenting App\" class=\"wp-image-909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ways-to-Stop-Tantrums-in-Children-1024x573.png 1024w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ways-to-Stop-Tantrums-in-Children-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ways-to-Stop-Tantrums-in-Children-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ways-to-Stop-Tantrums-in-Children-1536x860.png 1536w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ways-to-Stop-Tantrums-in-Children.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-offer-choices-within-boundaries\"><strong>6. Offer Choices (Within Boundaries)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Toddlers crave control. When parents dictate every bite, resistance builds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, <strong>give controlled choices<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cWould you like apple slices or banana today?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cDo you want to eat with your spoon or your hands?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This method satisfies their need for autonomy without compromising nutrition \u2014 a key <strong>SXO (Search Experience Optimization)<\/strong> behavior pattern for emotional empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal even provides <strong>AI-personalized conversation starters<\/strong> for parents to make mealtime communication easier and more positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-create-a-calm-mealtime-environment\"><strong>7. Create a Calm Mealtime Environment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Distractions like TV or mobile phones overstimulate toddlers and reduce awareness of hunger cues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create a calm environment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sit at a small table together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn off screens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use calm tones and soft lighting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more peaceful the surroundings, the easier it is for toddlers to focus on eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal encourages <strong>sensory mindfulness<\/strong> \u2014 helping parents build rituals that reduce chaos and enhance focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-never-force-feed\"><strong>8. Never Force-Feed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Force-feeding breaks trust. It teaches children to disconnect from their hunger cues, leading to overeating or anxiety later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of saying \u201cEat one more bite,\u201d try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s okay if you\u2019re full. We can eat again when you\u2019re hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This simple shift builds a lifetime of healthy eating behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TinyPal<\/strong> helps you recognize <strong>emotional hunger vs. physical hunger<\/strong>, so you guide your child with empathy instead of pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-introduce-finger-foods-first\"><strong>9. Introduce Finger Foods First<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-feeding becomes easier when toddlers can control their grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offer safe, easy-to-hold foods like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soft fruits (banana, mango)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steamed vegetables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mini pancakes or scrambled eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rice balls or pasta<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These allow tactile exploration and immediate feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal\u2019s feeding guide helps you track developmental readiness and food safety for each stage \u2014 ensuring confidence and security during this transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-celebrate-progress-not-perfection\"><strong>10. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your toddler might eat three bites one day and throw food the next \u2014 that\u2019s normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Celebrate effort, not outcomes.<br>Say: \u201cYou held the spoon by yourself today!\u201d rather than \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you finish it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These <strong>micro-celebrations<\/strong> reinforce positive associations with independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal reminds parents through gentle prompts and AI-driven insights to celebrate effort-based growth instead of focusing on volume or neatness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-respect-appetite-fluctuations\"><strong>11. Respect Appetite Fluctuations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Toddlers\u2019 appetites change daily. Growth spurts, teething, and sleep patterns all affect hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of measuring success by how much they eat, observe consistency over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal\u2019s emotional guidance modules teach parents to trust patterns \u2014 not panic over one skipped meal.<br>It\u2019s about building <strong>long-term trust in your child\u2019s self-regulation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.tinypal.com\/pa-start-for-free-hero\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"153\" src=\"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DOWNLOAD-CTA.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DOWNLOAD-CTA.jpg 920w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DOWNLOAD-CTA-300x50.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DOWNLOAD-CTA-768x128.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DOWNLOAD-CTA-600x100.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-make-mealtimes-emotional-not-transactional\"><strong>12. Make Mealtimes Emotional, Not Transactional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food is not just fuel \u2014 it\u2019s an <strong>emotional experience<\/strong>.<br>When parents replace pressure with connection, children associate eating with comfort, not conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share stories at the table. Talk about flavors. Laugh about the mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These moments shape emotional security \u2014 the foundation of a healthy relationship with food and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal calls this approach <strong>\u201cEmotionally Intelligent Feeding\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 helping parents build calm, connected, and conscious eating experiences daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-tiny-pal-difference-guidance-that-grows-with-your-child\"><strong>The TinyPal Difference: Guidance That Grows with Your Child<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TinyPal isn\u2019t a tracker or schedule app.<br>It\u2019s a <strong>parenting mentor<\/strong>, powered by AI, psychology, and empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It learns from your parenting patterns and gives <strong>personalized suggestions<\/strong> that evolve as your child grows \u2014 whether it\u2019s managing tantrums, building confidence, or encouraging self-feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTinyPal taught me to see every meal as a lesson in love, not discipline.\u201d \u2014 <em>Megan, USA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re ready to raise confident, emotionally balanced children \u2014<br>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/app.tinypal.com\/pa-start-for-free-hero\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/app.tinypal.com\/pa-start-for-free-hero\">Download the TinyPal Parenting App<\/a><\/strong> today and let empathy guide your parenting journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"testimonials\"><strong>Testimonials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy toddler refused to eat without help. TinyPal\u2019s gentle guidance changed everything \u2014 now she insists on feeding herself!\u201d<br>\u2014 <em>Priya, India<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI stopped stressing about mealtime thanks to TinyPal. It helped me understand what my child\u2019s behavior really meant.\u201d<br>\u2014 <em>Aisha, UAE<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTinyPal feels like having a calm parenting coach in my pocket.\u201d<br>\u2014 <em>Oliver, UK<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Encourage Independent Eating in Toddlers: 12 Proven Parenting Tips That Build Confidence and Healthy Habits It\u2019s dinnertime.You\u2019ve prepared your toddler\u2019s favorite meal \u2014 soft rice, some vegetables, and a splash of curd.But as soon as you offer the spoon, your little one turns away, saying \u201cNo, Mama!\u201d while trying to grab the spoon&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":985,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[6],"class_list":["post-984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-independent-eating","tag-best-parenting-app"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=984"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1180,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/984\/revisions\/1180"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tinypal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}