Have you ever wondered when kids should learn to use utensils and what is the best way to introduce them? I interviewed Nicole Grant, Occupational Therapist from Gateway Therapies to find out…
How is learning to use cutlery and kitchen utensils helpful to a child’s development?
Nicole: Part of growing up is becoming independent and learning how to look after ourselves. Eating is essential to survival and learning to do so in a way that is socially acceptable is very important. Using cutlery and kitchen utensils instead of our fingers is good practice for hygiene purposes as well.
What is the best way for parents to support kids to use cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)?
Nicole: Children learn best by watching their parents and others. It’s important to model correct use of utensils. Children also learn through play, so giving them the opportunity to play with cutlery and utensils will help them develop these skills as well. Plastic knives, forks and spoons are great fun used with play dough. Correct grip can be shown using the hand-over-hand approach, which means that the parent helps their child to hold the utensil the correct way, and then lets go when the child has better control.
Is there a best “time” to introduce them?
Nicole: Babies often show interest in holding the spoon when they are being fed from as young as 6 months old. Giving them their own spoon to hold while you feed them is a great start. They should be able to feed themselves with a spoon by age two. Plastic forks can be introduced when you feel your child is ready, which is usually around 18 months to two years. Introduce soft foods cut into manageable pieces for children to practice stabbing, such as cut up banana. Food that does not slide around the plate will be easier than round foods like peas.
When it comes to building skills for using cutlery, are there milestones you recommend or look for?
Nicole: Children should be able to scoop food into their mouth using a spoon by about age two. Keep in mind that sloppy food like yoghurt and custard will be easier than other food. Children should be able to use a fork properly by around age 4. This is also a good age for kids to start learning how to use a knife to cut their own food and help with meal preparation. A butter knife used for buttering toast is a great way to introduce knives safely. Once they are familiar with knife-use, they can use sharper knives such as a tomato or steak knife to help with food preparation around 5 – 6. Once again, start with soft foods, and food that won’t slip or roll around. As their confidence improves, and they become more skilled, you can gradually increase the difficulty level.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing too much for kids as they get older when it comes to serving meals and food preparation. Do you have some tips to avoid this?
Nicole: Prepare as much in advance as possible, so that you have more time to spend with meal preparation. For example, I keep carrot sticks chopped in the fridge. These can then be cut into smaller pieces by the kids for fried rice or other meals. The smaller sticks also mean that it’s easier for them to manage, as opposed to handing them a whole carrot to tackle.
What are your thoughts on kids chopsticks to build fine motor skill?
Nicole: Many kids (and adults!) find chopsticks tricky to use. The beginner style chopsticks that are joined together can be fun, and would be a great alternative for developing fine motor skills – particularly pre-writing skills.
What about other skills in the kitchen? How can parents do this safely?
Nicole: Kids can be taught to pop toast in the toaster and flip eggs on a frypan from as young as 4 or 5. You need to ensure they are capable of understanding the dangers of working with hot surfaces. Kids should always be supervised in the kitchen. Keep their hair tied back and ensure their clothes are fire retardant. Be aware of first aid techniques in case of minor burns or cuts. Keep kids away from oil that may splatter or any fast-moving blades. Kids can be impulsive, even when they should know better, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
What are Nicole’s top 3 tips for getting kids using utensils?
- Don’t wait until mealtimes. Utensils can (and should) be incorporated into play time.
- Get them involved in setting the table and letting them choose which knife, fork and spoon they will be using.
- Persevere and be encouraging if kids are struggling or resisting. They will get there eventually.
Thanks Nicole, and to you all…
Eat happy!
Deb Blakley
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Director
