At what age do you expect children to eat without getting it all over their faces?

[SheABitSpicyToday]

Aibu to ask at what age you would expect a child to be able to eat their dinner, or a chocolate bar or ice cream without getting it all over their face?

It sounds as if you're worried this might be a bigger issue than just messy eating?

I think the issue is the apparent regression rather than the age. DS can't manange it at 6. He's also slightly dribbly still.

Pick you battles.

Sniffing fingers? Not really a problem at home.

Messy eating. Just have wipes on hand for after and dont make a fuss.

If she is "attention seeking" there is a reason. All the usual stuff - can you spend some time with her letting her lead play/ let her make small choices in the day to feel a sense of control/ extra cuddles and reassurance etc.

I hope someone can answer this because I’m 68 and it seems I’m still not old enough ...

I was wondering this too, had friends to visit recently and the youngest is nearly 12 and still makes a mess like a toddler!!

Mine still does now - he's 17 next week 🙈

Ok, it's not all over himself he grew out out that around 12/13 (ish!)

But he has a muscular disorder which makes eating difficult and sometimes it'll mean he doesn't manage the co ordination quite right and will drip gravy or get sauce on his chin.

Personally I just learnt to accept some people are messy eaters and for me, as long as it's not through being carelessness or stuffing face unsocially - I just think some people are messier than others.

If you ever eat in a restaurant just watch the number of people who wipe their mouths constantly with a napkin! There's plenty out there!

DP came home last night and pointed out I had chocolate on my face, so not before 26!

Yep the answer is to learn to use a napkin! Often there are threads where posh mumsnetters find it incredible that others don't have a napkin every meal...