Toddlers Eating

It takes time to develop the fine motor skills required to eat neatly with a knife and fork. Don’t assume that your child is deliberately being messy when they eat, since guiding food to the mouth without any spills is tricky for a toddler. Suggestions include:

• Find out about the stages of child development, so that you don’t expect too much of your child.
• Plan for the mess by putting a plastic sheet under the highchair.
• Present the foods in easy-to-eat ways, such as cut into strips or fingers.
• Allow your child to eat with their hands rather than a knife and fork.
• Say something like ‘food is for eating’ or ‘are you finished?’ if your child throws food.
• Do not pay attention to the food on the floor; pick it up when the meal is finished.

by: jil0504 at 00:39 | link | comments

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