while talking with a new mother in the park, she confide that her 8 month old baby is a very messy eater and is sometimes quite picky about what she eats and how the food is presented. the mother says she does not know what to do. based on the information in your textbook, you reply...

a. try turning on the television during dinnertime so your baby will be less likely to find entertainment in the food itself

b. babies are supposed to be messy eaters and surprisingly idiosyncratic about food. that's one way they discover the world and themselves. your best teaching tools right now are patience and praise

c. make sure you model appropriate eating behaviors and begin to show your baby who is boss

d. make sure you don't adapt to the baby's desires. now is the time to teach them appropriate manners and food behaviors.