Need Help Teaching 17 Month Old to Use Utensils

Not silly at all! I starting giving my daughter a plate and utensils around that same time. Other moms were still having kids eat off placemats, etc. Just seeing the plate and utensils at every meal and seeing us use them at every meal helped a lot. We would show her how to hold them, but it does take awhile to train their brains to use forks instead of fingers. When you feel she's comfortable with having them around at every meal, start reminding her to use them too. It won't be an overnight thing, but she'll get the hang of it eventually.

It seems like you are on the right path. That's pretty normal what she's doing. Just keep giving her the utensils and as she gets older insist she uses them instead of her hands. She seems to be doing well though.

K., requests for advice are never silly...
Eating with utensils is a new ballgame for her, but in time she will get it down with no problem. You are doing the right thing in showing her, but it may be awhile yet before she is interested, who knows? Using utensils all the time is good manners and should be required when she gets the skill mastered. That's my thoughts!

Hi Kristin, learning to use utinsils is a new concept for your little one. just keep offering it to her and let her learn by watching you. make sure that the utinsil fits easily and comfortably in her hand, and that it's not to big for her to hold. I started mine with a spoon and graduated to a fork. also, you might take her and let her pick out a special set of utinsils that she likes (ex. dora, winnie-the-pooh, elmo, etc). alot of them will come with bowls, plates, and cups too. it's ok if she's just holding it in her hand at first. that's the first step and she'll eventually get it. in the mean time get the bibs out because this part of the process is messy. :) the plastic one's with the pocket at the bottom work great at catching most of it.

Not silly and not too early either. She is learning a new skill, just like crawling, pulling up and walking. It takes time and practice. Keep giving her the toddler silverware. Put food on it for her and help guide it to her mouth so she gets the hang of that part, help her jab food onto her fork, scoop with her spoon. The hardest one to master is the spoon with the scooping. And for some reason, the all like to turn forks and spoons upside down right before their mouth or while it's half in their mouth and all the food falls off!! lol

But just be patient and she'll get the hand of it before you know it!!
Good luck!
S.

My now 19 month old girl started insisting on utensils a few months ago. I am almost certain it was due to seeing the other kids at day care.

Also, when she is in a rush, she too will eat with one hand, while holding the utencil with the other hand.

I personally you should just let your child come around on her own. Just like potty training, they'll get it eventually.

Hey K., you have got some real good advise. I would not worry about it to much, she will get it. My daughter is 22mo. and she LOVES HER SPOON! Just keep giving them to her and let her watch you while you eat with them and she will get it! Children love to copy what there parents do. I wish you the best and remember just have fun! Have a Blessed Day!

nah, i dont think that this is a silly request whatsoever.
the only thing that i can say about this matter, is practice. just keep on giving them to her whenever she eats.
my daughter, who is 2, she will occasionally, eat with one hand, while having a fork or spoon in the other.
you can just demonstrate to her. by saying little things like. look, mommy is using her fork. now mommy is using her spoon. children learn alot thru imitation.
dont worry, she will pick up on it.
trust me, she wont be 21 yrs old and still using her hands to eat.

I don't have any advice about how to get your child to use them. I just wanted to let you know that my son who will be 4 next month still prefers to use his fingers. This includes mashed potatoes, corn, and sometimes things like chicken noodle soup. I just thought I would let you know that even when your child does learn, they may end up not using them anyway. Good luck!

Take the baby to Wal-Mart and let her pick out "special" utensils that are just for her to use. Something that she loves and cherishes. Don't worry so much too. She'll get the hang of it.