8 year old won't hold a fork correctly...

Question

Here's attempt #2 at this question.... apparently in my first attempt, my attempted humor was misconstrued.... lighten up people!

Anyway, maybe I should start with a little background. I come from a very proper background, and table manners and etiquette were one of the first things to master as young boy. That being said, I have an 8 year old step-son, who simply can't seem to grasp table manners in general, he has made progress in other areas. However, holding utensils seems to be an issue. He still grips his silverware with a fist, like a toddler would do. We've tried constantly reminding him to just ignoring it, however, he still reverts back to this toddler like mannerism. Any suggestions or experience on how to break this sort of thing would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

What do you call the "Correct way"  American style is usually held like they are stabbing the food or shoveling it - I assume you being proper are trying to teach him to eat with fork (tines down) in left hand and right hand with a knife?  My 13, 6 and even 2.5 year old have all been taught this way.  I find that imitation is best and without being strict in the least.  Make a game of it - get some kidney beans (or something else easy to stab) and give points to each who can get the most in their bowl (using the correct method)  within a set period of time (2 min?)

As a homeschooling mum I find that the more you incorporate fun into - the more kids will be open to learning.  You are doing him no disservice by teaching him proper etiquette - future schools/employers may judge him by his table manners - just relax and make it fun - NO NAGGING or making fun of him for trying.  :)  Good luck

Answer 2

who cares how he holds it? its better than using fingers (right????)

Answer 3

hahaha....thats funny....LMAO

how about lessons?!?.. OMG I'm still laughing

Answer 4

seriously who cares HOW he holds it you should just be glad that he is holding it

Answer 5

its kinda obsurd to read. i dont come from a background of prim and proper, but we still had manners. i dont think i was every critisised by the way i held a folk, as long as i was using one, and putting food in my mouth, it was ok...You have to understand, this is your step son, and dosnt come from your background. i dont imagine you have been raising him since birth either, or you wouldnt be having this issue. Old habits are hard to break, and remember he is only 8. He is just a kid, and shouldnt be critisised for doing kids like things. he will grow out of it.

Answer 6

does it really matter... 8 yrs old are clueless about alot of stuff... LOL

Answer 7

ok start by showing him repeatedly - eg: every meal.

position his hand on the fork as he is supposed to eat.

if that doesnt work

try been a little strict - it sounds harsh but it doesnt matter how proper you are he should be able to use a fork by age 8.

hope i have helped

:)

Answer 8

I'm all for teaching a kid manners - but honestly, who cares how he holds his fork?  He'll outgrow it sooner or later