I never try to reason with my toddler.

I got a wearable long sleeve bib, it's helpful since meals are so messy sometimes. The bib would protect the clothing and it'd be easier to clean him. Around 13 months he decided he didn't like them and started trying to take them off. I didn't let him, if he wanted to eat he had to wear them. This took almost a week as well, he finally gave up. Now, he waits for me to put him on so he can start eating.

He didn't like the suction cups, he would get frustrated trying to pull them off. I let him be, after a week of fighting with the bowls, he finally gave up and started eating.

Dropping the sippy cup? I got a leash for it and attached it to the high chair. He dropped it the first few days and he would get upset to lose his cup. I absolutely never picked it up once, or told him to pick it up so he learned that if he wanted his drink he would have to figure it out. Now, I give him his cup and he puts it in the leash.

I taught him this before he turned one.

I've nannied for a long time before becoming a mother. I learned that trying to reason with a toddler and paying attention to bad behavior actually encourages them to do it more. Now, I try to keep my face straight, not to let things bother me or get irritated, and when I speak I actually mean it and my son knows this.

I did this with all the kids I cared for and they respected me. All of them. I remember seeing a few parents trying with the bib:

-"sweetie, you have to wear this, it'll keep you clean" -kid fighting it. -"please, let's try it today" -kid trying to climb out of the chair. -"it's fun! Look it's your favorite color" -kid crying and almost climbing on the table

I had to show them. I helped them a few times and with a firm voice I gave the kid two options, wear it and eat or not wear and go play, which is it?

If they're hungry, they'll eat.

Consistency is the key. When you say something, you mean it and keep at it. Kids are quite smart, we don't give them enough credit. They are highly observant and they absolutely know who they can get away with stuff and who won't let them.