Feeding Myself with a Spoon
Here's What To Do
1
Give me food that is easy to scoop and sticks to the spoon (like: yogurt, mashed potatoes, mashed banana, mashed avocado).
2
Put the food in a bowl with a high edge, ideally one that sticks to the table or has a non-skid bottom. Give me a short handled, child sized spoon to use.
3
Let me practice eating with a spoon at the beginning of a meal when I am hungry and motivated. Continue to offer finger foods alongside spoonable foods.
4
Help guide me through the "scooping to mouth" process if I'm frustrated or need help.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- When you're seated at the table with me, give me a big smile.
E
Engage:
- "Okay, Leo's turn. Can you scoop some yogurt with your spoon?"
- "Mmmm, banana! Can you eat it all by yourself?"
E
Encourage:
- I will most likely spill some food. Encourage me to keep trying. Like: "Oops! You spilled a little. That's okay, you're doing such a good job practicing!"
- Place your hand over mine and gradually reduce your help as I become more independent.
R
Reflect:
- Isn't it amazing that I am learning to use a spoon? There are so many new things I get to learn now that I'm a little bit older.
Not quite ready?
Let me practice scooping with spoons and toy plastic shovels during play.
Ready for more?
Introduce a child-size fork during mealtimes and help me learn to use it.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to feed themselves some food with a spoon (with expected spills).