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Behaviour/development

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

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Original poster

Table manners

9 replies

Chocciechops · 31/03/2009 12:16

I am the granny of a two year old and worried about her table manners. Her mother is a professional and dad started looking after her at start of 09. She used to use a fork and spoon but since Jan has started eating with hands. Father does not even give her utensils!! Have noticed that she has regressed since leaving nursery. Should I mention this to my daughter? Advice needed PLEASE.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Gorionine · 31/03/2009 12:22

Not really shocking for a 2yo to use hands to eat IMHO.

messymissy · 31/03/2009 12:24

well, I think saying she has regressed is a little strong. All toddlers love to use their hands and feel the food, and at two she has a long way to go before its a real issue that she uses her hands.

Gentle encouragement with cutlery would be a good idea but not anything that will make her feel self-concious about the way she eats.

At two, as long as a toddler has a healthy appetite for a variety of foods does it matter how they eat?

You sound like you are laying this at your son in laws door - probably not the best way to raise the subject. why not ask instead has your granddaughter got a favorite set of cutlery that she could bring from home when she eats with you, or buy her a pretty set. - worked with my little dd, who is not quite two but during a meal will often alternate use of her spoon and her hands as its quicker and she is enjoying the food.

Dont stress about it as if she feels your stress it might make her anxious at meal times.

poshtottie · 31/03/2009 12:53

I am just happy if my 2 year old puts any food in his mouth.

Lawks · 31/03/2009 12:56

My nearly 3 year old is perfectly capable of using a knife and fork, but often prefers to use fingers. What's the harm?

If she's sitting at the table, participating in the food and the social side of mealtimes I feel like I'm doing a good job. Fine details are for later.

messymissy · 31/03/2009 12:56

I agree poshtottie - so many of my friends also have toddlers who are hard to please at meal times, mine just gets bored and wants to get down and play so the quicker she eats the better. Just wish she would eat a better variety of food!

poshtottie · 31/03/2009 13:02

He ate one of those organic fruit smoothies this morning using the lid.

Oh how my standards have dropped. Just not worth the hassle.

messymissy · 31/03/2009 13:05

I agree... DD had her cheerios with her butter knife, I think more went on the floor than in her mouth but she was happy!

think we have scared granny chocciechops off......

poshtottie · 31/03/2009 13:11

My mil mentions things to DH occasionally, I know it has come from her and it irritates the hell out of me.

Encourage your granddaughter to use her cutlery but don't make a big deal of it. I wouldn't mention it to your dd, she probably know already.

Miggsie · 31/03/2009 14:16

They need to learn, I think the sooner the better and would not be happy if a child stopped using even a spoon...

Get her her own set of cutlery, John Lewis do children's cutlery that is not relentlessly blue or pink. Perhaps her own set of china?

Then encourage the use of at least a fork or the spoon.

Don't mention anything to the parents though at the moment...!

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