Can you help me solve a problem re: eating

DS has been eating solids for about 2 months now. For the past week or so he has been nearly IMPOSSIBLE to feed. I know that the goal is for them to eventually feed themselves, but he is out of control. He grabs for the spoon - ok I can deal with that, and even let him have it most of the time. But many times he grabs it - the food goes flying, and he ends up with just an empty spoon. Today I gave up -
I know that meal time should be about exploration, independence, etc. but how important is it that he actually eats the food??
If it isn't essential that he eats the solid food then by all means he can get as messy as he wants, but I guess I am a little concerned that it seems like lately he wants to just play with the spoon rather than eat the food.

Any ideas, helps. suggestions, etc would be greatly appreciated -

Re: Can you help me solve a problem re: eating

yes give him something to hold...an empty spoon or the gerber pinwheels or a piece of italian bread...he wants to participate in his feeding

Re: Can you help me solve a problem re: eating

I agree with giving them something to hold. And then I would just go as fast as I could.