Eating skills

When I read this blogger's blog - The Best Parenting Blog 2009 about Toddler Eating: Breakfast Adventure, I decided to write about my Maximus's eating skills since 18 months.

I totally agree with what she wrote on the tips on toddlers eating. As she mentioned, the most important point is to make it FUN! Every eating opportunity that we have with Maximus will be filled with fun time. He will learn about the name of the food that he is eating and of course, he gets the chance to cut those food and dip it into his favourite tomato ketchup. He loves dipping since being introduced the dipping concept to him by his daddy.

After 18 months, Maximus also has pick up the skill to feed himself using the spoon. He won't miss the target! He is able to coordinate his hand-eye as he scoop his food with the spoon and put it into his mouth.

As we eat along with him, he learns to even scoop food from other plates and explore every taste. Sometimes he wants to imitate us by using both the spoon and fork. Of course this will be a big challenge since has not grasp the skill. So I will get him to alternate the spoon and the fork. He also understand the concept of using the chopsticks - they go in pair! So he will make sure that he get hold of chopsticks in pair but it's too risky to use chopsticks. I will always take that away from him and replace it with his spoon.
At this age, it's more relaxing when we dine out. Maximus can sit independently either on 2 chairs stacked up or in the baby-chair while feeding himself. Although it's messy, I won't stop him to explore and eat by himself. That's why I always have my hankie, wet-tissue and a pair of clothes to change (in-case).
Parents should encourage and allow toddlers at this age to explore and eat by themself. It's a good learning experience and also to teach them about independence and responsibility. Put aside the issue of being messy, allowing toddlers to eat by themselves is the best learning experiences. It covers a lot of areas of development i.e. the fine-motor skill (physical development), the cognitive development etc. So, give a try!