Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

how bad is it that my ds doesn't feed himself with a spoon? I will spoon feed him anything liquidy. He uses a fork real well. Spears pieces and puts them in his mouth, he's just having trouble with the spoon. You would think the fork would be harder. Lately, I've been trying to encourage him to use the spoon on his own more. To be fair and completely honest I'll just feed him myself right off the bat, just for saving time and ease

He can color (when he wants to), usually turn pages of a book 1 at a time.

Any advice?

Re: Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

If he can use the fork and color well then it doesn't sound like a fine motor delay. I feel like my 2 year old had more trouble with the spoon then the fork. He also colors well. It's the scooping down motion that he doesn't always get. Sometimes goes straight down into the yogurt and doesn't get much food so I do it with him. Problem is he's so stubborn too. He either just tells me to do it or he works at it himself, but takes him forever. Just keep doing what you're doing. Try getting something thick like a pudding or yogurt to work with rather than soup so he can at least get some stuff on it.
Maybe the pudding or a dessert will work bc he'll want it more since it's sweet. Good luck!

Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

I think its probably only delayed (if its even a delay) because you are doign it for him. I hope that didn't sound mean cause its completely not meant to. I did this with my DS on his bottle. He never held it...why Cause I did it for him so why should he.

My DH doesn't like the mess with DS and eating so he will feed him sometimes and I yell at him. I let my DS feed himself anything and yes its messy and sometimes takes forever but now he's doign pretty good.

I say just let him go with it and I'm sure you will see a change quickly.

Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

My DD has fine motor delays and is a little over two. She has the same issue with the spoon, but that in itself isn't a delay. I totally hear you on just doing things for them because it's easier, faster, etc. But I've learned that making her do it herself is the only way she'll really learn. They have to work for it.

Re: Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

It sounds like maybe you just don't let him get enough practice b/c it takes too long, is messy etc. which I totally understand!

As much as you can you need to let him try by himself. I agree with a pp to maybe limit it to thicker foods for now like yogurt, pudding or even applesauce.

My DS is about the same age and is pretty good with the spoon now, but when he wasn't so good I would save the messy spoon foods for the meal right before bath time. That way I didn't have to stress so much about the clean up.

Re: Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

Not enough practice!
Keep kid shirtless and let him go at it!

Re: Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

I had my DS practice with a Chinese soup spoon!
spoon

Fine motor question (2 1/2 yr old)

Thanks everyone!

I am totally guilty of not offering enough opportunity for him to do it alone which I will be changing!!