Using utencils

[justgettingstarted]

At what age do you require your DC kids to use forks for things like pasta? I have 2 year olds that of course use spoons for yogurt, apple sauce and the like. But, they have a hard time getting mac & cheese, pasta, etc on a fork and like to use their hands. It would probably take an hour for them to eat it all with a fork! :: However, I have a little guy that will shovel it in his mouth with both hands eating too much like a baby. I'm thinking I may need to start them on forks and eating properly but I'm wondering if they are still a little too young for certain foods? Please don't blast me! They all just turned 2 in the last month or so. DS is very neat and tidy with his eating so its never been an issue.

[EchoMom]

At what age do you require your DC kids to use forks for things like pasta? I have 2 year olds that of course use spoons for yogurt, apple sauce and the like. But, they have a hard time getting mac & cheese, pasta, etc on a fork and like to use their hands. It would probably take an hour for them to eat it all with a fork! :: However, I have a little guy that will shovel it in his mouth with both hands eating too much like a baby. I'm thinking I may need to start them on forks and eating properly but I'm wondering if they are still a little too young for certain foods? Please don't blast me! They all just turned 2 in the last month or so. DS is very neat and tidy with his eating so its never been an issue.

I also have just turned 2 year olds and they seem to be pretty comfortable with utensils. But they are very limp wristed about spearing things and often end up using hands too. I don't really think I can make them give up their hands completely. I just constantly remind them, "Oh yucky! No hands. Use your spoon."

Honestly when I think about it, it seems like it would be totally confusing! Not only do they need to develop the refinement to use the utensils well, but how in the world do they know the ettiquete of what we do and don't eat with our hands? I mean really! You can pick up pizza and sandwich with your hands, but noodles no way! Sometimes I think they use their hands just because it takes a long time to know when they can/can't use which strategy.

[Blackcat31]

I might be pretty old school as I don't buy anything like sippy cups, weird cups, bowls or utensils to make things easier for kids.

I simply use child size cups, utensils and regular plates.

My kids sit in a high chair until 12 months. They get a plate, a cup and silverware the entire time. Once they turn 12 months, they are moved to the table with the rest of the kids. I try to make using non-lidded cups and utensils such a normal part of eating that my kiddos all grasp the concept easily and quickly and at a very young age.

Currently, I have a 14 month old and a 20 month old who are VERY proficient with utensils, cups and managing their food all on their own with VERY little mess. Neither of them eat with their hands and have great fork/spoon control.

We eat family style so manuevering the utensil to scrape the food together and get it onto the fork or spoon is modeled by the older kids for the younger ones to take their cues from. My kids also all eat with great table manners.

Personally, I think the earlier etensils are introduced, the earlier the child begins to understand what they are for and how to use them.

[MarinaVanessa]

Like BC I give mt DCK's all kid size bowls, plates, cups (except that I do give my DCK's sippy cups ... simple toss away ones ... to reduce spills) and plastic wear. I start giving these to them as soon as they start eating solids (not jarred baby food). Even when the eat baby food I'll give them a spoon and let them dip it if they show interest.

The earlier they start the more practice they get. The more you let them feed themselves the more time they have to master self feeding. My 2 year olds sometimes use their hands too and yes they get messy but that's what bibs are for and either way they're using their small motor schools whether they use their utencils or their fingers. The important thing here is to remember is that no matter what they'll master self feeding, no doubt about it ... even if they use their hands to eat it's still helping them master skills.

[Holiday Park]

My 14 month old uses a fork and spoon. He hasn't mastered them completely and it will take time , but he started around 11/12 months. I agree with the earlier they start the more practice they get. It is true.