Your child will need to be more independent as she gets older.She will want to do more on her own.Feeding herself, dressing herself and brushing her own teeth are some of the first things a growing child will want to try on her.When toddlers reach 18 to 24 months, they start using utensils.Help your child explore her independence by teaching her how to cook and feed herself.
Step 1: Give her a spoon.
Don't have your child use regular adult utensils while she learns how to use a spoon.There are metal utensils that can hurt your child's teeth.They may be too heavy for your child to maneuver.Purchase your child's own set of spoons.Soft rubber is tipped on toddler spoons to make it easier to grip the handle.
Step 2: Help your child move their spoon to eat.
If your toddler is still learning how to use her spoon, you can help her by putting your hand over hers.She needs to move her hand through the process to get the spoon to her mouth.If you want to eat with a spoon, do this movement much more slowly.Your child is still adjusting to eating with a utensil.
Step 3: You can give your child some food to eat.
Place a small amount of food in a bowl.If she accidentally spills the bowl's contents, putting a small amount of food in it will help.There is more food ready to go on the sidelines.Add more food from the second bowl when she uses the spoon to eat the small amount of food in her bowl.
Step 4: Stay by your child's side as she practices using the spoon.
Your child will be able to use a spoon quickly.If you can help her with large bites, or if the food is about to slide off of it, you should stay by her side.Your child will most likely be a messy eater until she is 2.5 or 3 years old.
Step 5: Pick the right fork for your toddler.
The rubber coating on the handle of the fork makes it easy to grip.If you are looking for a toddler fork with metal prongs, make sure they are rounded or blunt so it won't be dangerous for your toddler to use.
Step 6: When your child starts using a spoon, introduce the fork to her.
Show her how to use a knife.It may take some getting used to before she can tell the difference between a fork and a spoon, and she may try to use it the same way she would use her spoon.Some foods that you can give to your child so that she can practice stabbing her food include: boiled or cooked vegetables like potatoes or carrots that have been cut into chunks.Chunks of fruit include melons, apples, watermelon, and bananas.Pieces of bread and chicken.
Step 7: Help your child to stay positive.
If you can keep your child from getting discouraged, give her food that is easy to eat with a fork.She should avoid foods that are harder to eat.Praise your child for her excellent work when she is able to eat harder foods.Noodles can be difficult to eat with a fork.If your toddler is eating noodles like spaghetti, make sure you are right next to her.
Step 8: It is easy to set up a distraction-free area.
Preparing the area where you will feed your toddler to self feed will make you less frustrated.The most important part of this experience is to maximize her success.Make sure that there isn't anything else on her table that distracts her from eating.
Step 9: Protect against spills
You should put a mat or towel under the plate or bowl you give your child.Cleanup will be easier if this is done.Put a toddler bib on your child to protect her from spills.The bib should cover most of your toddler's chest.If you don't have a bib, dress your child in old clothing that you do not have an attachment to.If your child spills on herself, you won't have to deal with the hassle of trying to get a stain out.
Step 10: There is a place for your toddler at the family dining table.
During Mealtime, sit your toddler at the dining room table with the rest of the family.It can be a long time when you have to wait for her to finish her meal, but it is important that she see every member of the family eating with utensils.You and your family are role models.Show her how you use your utensils.
Step 11: Encourage and praise your child as she learns how to eat.
Praise and encouragement help your toddler use her own utensils.Praise her and tell her she did a good job when she finishes her meal on her own.She will be more confident the next time she eats.
Step 12: You can create a schedule for the meals.
Your child will need to be able to feed herself when she grows up if you create an eating schedule.Even though meals should be routine, they shouldn't be lacking in fun.Pick out colorful plates and bowls for your child to eat from.Pictures of dinosaurs or animals are fun designs.
Step 13: When your child wants to be independent, give her the support she needs.
On certain days, your child will simply want you to feed her.She may be able to feed herself again the next day.Your chance to let her have it is her desire to feed herself.Remember that you are teaching your child a life skill and that a little pasta sauce on your tablecloth is worth it.
Step 14: There are mistakes that are ok.
Don't let your child make a mistake even if it's messy.She learns from her mistakes and keeps practicing.Try not to get upset when she makes a mistake.Learning how to use utensils is an important part of your toddler's early life.Your child will be able to keep trying if you keep a positive attitude.
Step 15: What are you doing during meal times?
Explain why you prefer to eat with a spoon rather than a fork.Explain the need to use a fork when eating pasta.She will be able to make her own choices in the future if you help her understand your choices.
Step 16: It's reasonable to be patient and reasonable.
Be reasonable with your expectations and give allowances during feeding time.You can't expect her to finish her food in five minutes.Feeding time can be difficult for her.Feeding time should be enjoyable for you and your toddler.
Step 17: Variations of your child's favorite food should be included in the meal.
Introduce your child to other pastas or a different sauce if she likes spaghetti.Add bananas to her pancakes, oatmeal or yogurt.She can keep practicing using her utensils if she keeps doing this.
Step 18: Before you ask your child to use a spoon, give her finger food.
At 12 to 15 months old, your toddler may be ready to use a spoon.If you haven't introduced her to finger foods by that time, you should teach her how to use a spoon.Eating finger foods will teach your child how to eat.There areChunks of fruits and vegetables in finger foods.There are dry crackers and cereals.
Step 19: There are signs that your child may want to use a spoon.
During Mealtime, your toddler may start looking at your utensils after getting used to eating with finger foods.She could indicate her desire to hold a spoon.Allow her to use the spoon alone if you see it happening.Remember to applaud her efforts and be prepared for a mess.
Step 20: Your child will take time to develop their dexterity.
By the 18th month, your child will most likely have figured out how to use the spoon properly, though there will still be times when she will use her hands to feed herself.She will return to finger foods because her dexterity is still not developed.Give your child foods that stick to the surface of the spoon to help her dexterity.