Please or to access all these features

Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Ds 2.3 refuses to use cutlery

7 replies

Timepasses · 19/05/2012 12:18

Ds has never held a fork or spoon or attempted to use them. He quite happily uses his fingers. I think he has a problem with certain textures. Could this be the problem? He is also a fussy eater.

OP posts:
Timepasses · 19/05/2012 13:37

Anyone had the same problem?

OP posts:
MrsLovely · 19/05/2012 13:44

I wouldn't worry too much, my DD2 never liked using it, she preferred her fingers as she could shovel it in quicker, and I think she felt she could 'test' the food before it got near her mouth.

We pretty much let her get on with it until she was past 3, then began insisting she 'have a go' especially when out (mainly to avoid people looking at us and having a good old judge at our admittedly rather slack parenting skills.)

Although i must come clean and admit at the age of 8 she would still rather eat with her fingers, although she is a great eater who is happy to try anything new!!

ConstantCraving · 19/05/2012 21:25

DD 2.8 still not using cutlery. Not too worried - she'll get there when she's ready.

seaweed74 · 19/05/2012 22:53

My dd has just started seeing an occupational therapist (dd is 3.4 years, autistic and hypermobile). Dd refuses to use cutlery so the OT has suggested sitting in front of a mirror with her, some spoons and bowls and play. I assume eventually we are to sit there watching ourselves eat real food Confused. Going to give it a try as hope dd will be using at least a spoon by 5years Smile.

PS not suggesting anything amiss with your Ds OP, just thought you might be interested.

Timepasses · 20/05/2012 12:09

Thanks for your replies.

OP posts:
insancerre · 20/05/2012 12:16

I would rather a child was a good eater who didn't use cutery than a child who can use cutlery but doesn't eat anything.
I would just let him get on with it. Just give him cutlery every meal, make sure he gets to see other people using it, don't nag and he will get it eventually.

MarySA · 20/05/2012 12:18

Apparently I refused to use cutlery at one stage. My Mum bought me my own, which I've still got somewhere. And that did the trick. You could take him to choose some. I know it doesn't help when you're visiting or eating out.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page