Care and Feeding is Slate’s parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here .

Dear Care and Feeding,

My 2-year-old son, “Farley,” is a rather finicky eater. Recently, my mother-in-law “Diane” was over when he asked for some Cheerios. I gave him a bowl of Cheerios, only for him to say he wanted Pops. They were out in a cupboard in our garage, and I went to get them. All of a sudden, I heard Farley scream and rushed back. When I returned to the kitchen, Cheerios were all over the place and Farley was sobbing. I asked Diane what happened, and she explained that she had told my son, “You will eat your cereal or you will wear it.” He had refused, and she dumped the bowl on his head. I made her leave and told her not to come back.

After this, I no lo

See Full Page