to expect 8yo child to use cutlery

[merlotwhine]

Hi,

My 8yo DD has been taught how to use cutlery since she was a toddler but is still totally unwilling to use it. She will occasionally use it for certain foods which are difficult to pick up, but I've seen her pick up a handful of peas, tip her head back and shove them in. She is reminded to use her cutlery but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I really don't like her eating with her hands, especially when we're in a restaurant and/or we have company. Anyone have any tips for getting her to listen to me and use her cutlery? Thanks

I feel your pain. (And add eating with mouths closed!)

To the list of discipline measures, such as star charts and consistent sanctions, may I also add giving them the opportunity to eat with their hands. For us, fish fingers and chips is a fingers meal, and if I can't bear to watch - I say nothing and leave them to it.

My DD had an OT assessment along with other things, and it was found she could not, not would not, use cutlery properly.

The OT suggested we buy her special shaped cutlery and although she still finds this hard to use, it is easier than normal cutlery. It has dips to put her fingers in.

I couldn't find it online and ended up getting it from the local disability aids shop.

No advice but if it helps my 8yo dd is the same, really winds me up. She will use a fork but never a knife.

I have the same with my 8 year old. Although he is autistic.