encouraging him to feed himself

[hettie]

My ds is 11 months old and I am wondering how I can encourage him to feed himself a bit more. He will eat (using his hands) bread based stuff (eg a sandwich/toast), pieces of fruit that are smallish and that?s about it. If I fed him pasta or a stew type thing with bits big enough for him to pick up he wouldn?t use his hands and although he waves a spoon about he seems no where near being able to use it (or being inclined). I?d love him to be able to pick up pasta bits, bits of chicken or carrot for meals- but no matter how many times I offer no joy??.He gets quite frustrated at being fed (with a spoon) by me and I don?t want to turn the whole thing into a fight. Any suggestions?

just keep putting the food infront of him and a spoon if you like, he'll get there in the end! I don't know of any 'normal' children who can't feed themselves

yeah am sure you're right, but do I not feed him myself at all do you reckon? Or give him the opportunity and also a few spoons from me?

try a fork spearing is more fun than a spoon IMO

mme didn't think of fork- will give it a whirl TA