How old did you let your children eat by themselves?

Question

My five years old still requires feeding on every meals

It has to do with mess he makes and also people in my culture feed their children until 7 or 8 years old- I guess it's their way to show maternal love.

Answer 1

If you're comfortable with the tradition of your culture, then continue with what you are doing. If not, then you can just give him a spoon and fork and let him start learning about self-feeding. It WILL be messy, but that's just how it goes.

My daughter has been self feeding since she started solids; we chose to do baby-led solids, so she never had purees or rice cereal, just "real" food. At 16 months she's fully proficient with a spoon or fork, keeps food on her plate pretty well and only gets messy when she's eating yoghurt.

Answer 2

I have always offered my children utensils at every meal whether they used them or not just to get them used to seeing it at the dinner table. My daughter has been using a spoon since she was able to pick it up. Can't really remember what age but now because I allowed her to practice, she has a good grasp on feeding herself now at 2 yrs old. Yeah it may be messy but that is the only way to learn. At five years old they should be able to feed themselves. you are not allowing him to begin the process of finding himself and relying less on you for his everyday routines. I am sure that he knows how to feed himself you need to just step back and let him do things on his own! good luck!

Answer 3

that is crazy. Children begin feeding themselves at an early age. First by holding their own bottle, then with their hand with foods such as Cheerios and later with forks and spoons designed for small children. At five that child can feed itself. You are reinforcing infantile behavior by feeding you 5 year old. Cut he food into small bite size portions, give him a spoon and fork and let them eat.

Answer 4

A five year old should be old enough to eat on his own. Encourage him to eat w/ a spoon, it's easier than a fork. Resist helping him and see if he can figure it out.

Answer 5

You're kidding, right?

By around 2 years of age, children should be self feeding. They might need help at times, and it will be messy, but they'll get there.

Answer 6

Is it because of his tastes?
On occasion, but not frequently, my parents usually have to supervise my 4 year old sister only because she is SO picky that she takes forever and a day to finish a meal.

Answer 7

My 16 month old has been self-feeding for several months.

Answer 8

Are you serious? My 14 month old is learning to use a fork. By two, my other kids fed themselves on their own.

Answer 9

It was before the age of two when by daughter was feeding herself with utensils.

Answer 10

Let him eat by himself. It is way past time for him to do it. My sisters kid is 11 months old and eats by himself.