1. Stay calm

A surprised or loud response, says Dowling, can make a child's food experiments even more intriguing: Oh, this is fun - Mom got excited. Will it happen if I do it this way? Instead, she suggests a low-key, matter-of-fact reaction from Mom: "No, we don't throw food."

2. Limit opportunity

Provide small amounts of food at one time, so there is less to play with. When that's eaten, offer a little more.

3. Model a better way

If your child shows she's had enough by pushing the rest on the floor, say, "All done? Say, 'No, thank you.'"

4. Minimize distractions

"Keep the TV off," suggests Dowling, "and the dog out of the kitchen." There is no better enticement for dropping food than a begging dog!

5. Don't play retriever

If you keep bending over to pick things up, says Dowling, that's a pretty fun game. She suggests cleaning up once, after your child is actually done.

6. Try the big table

Toddlers like to feel a part of the family and to imitate what we do, so you might find it works well to take off the high-chair tray and pull her chair up with everyone else (keep the safety harness buckled, of course!).