Natalie (21mths) CAN use a fork and spoon to eat just fine. Until about 2 mths. ago, she was using utensils about half the time and fingers about the half the time. (I think she still found fingers to be just less work in general, but when I reminded her to go back to utensils, she would.)

For about the last couple of months or so, she just plain stopped using utensils altogether. When we hand it to her and try to make a big deal out of her using them (praise, excitement, etc.), she just calmly picks them up and hands them to us and says "no" and shakes her head. Then proceeds to eat with her fingers.

It's frustrating because I know she CAN use them and just won't now. Is this common?

By Kaye on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 10:15 pm:

Hmmm when my 8 year old consistently uses a fork and spoon I will keep you posted

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 10:24 pm:

Is she super hungry and finds it more efficient? Connor will do that if he's really hungry, so I feed him with the spoon. I wonder if you give her finger food first and then give her the spoon/fork food afterwards. Connor will also do that if he can't manage to get more on his spoon. ie, food is in the corner and he can't get it on his spoon.

By Tink on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 12:51 am:

Honestly, I've found most, if not all, food issues to really come down to control and, unless it's really one of those battles you think is worth fighting, I'd let it go. Give her a few months to do it her way, maybe talk up how nice and clean your's and Daddy's hands are because you use your spoon and fork but otherwise just let her do her thing. If she's not throwing a temper tantrum and isn't using bad manners (taking into account her age), I think it's something she'll get over soon enough. Just my two cents.

By Reds9298 on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 08:22 am:

Heidi - That may be it sometimes, and I hadn't thought of that.

Tink - No, it's defintely not a battle. When she doesn't want to use it, fine, we just encourage it by doing exactly what you said (look at Mommy and Daddy, clean hands, etc.). She's not throwing tantrums and she's not a terrible messy eater with her hands, I'm just bummed that she can work with utensils well but just chose not to all of a sudden!

We won't make it a battle. I just wondered if this is something anyone else's kids have done, too. Thanks!

By Tripletmom on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 09:18 am:

Kids prefer fingers. They like to feel the texture and experiment with food.She'll use utensils soon enough I'd just leave them for her to use and if she does she does.Our DD did the same thing and 1 day she just started using them At least shes eating.