My son will not hold his spoon/fork the right way?

Question

He is 3.8 years old and I have been trying to help him to hold his spoon right. He still grabs it like a fist backwards type of hold if you know what i mean. I want him to hold it right because of learning to write with a pencil also. any ideas to get him to hold it right? I help him everytime he eats but goes back to the old way of holding his spoon/fork.

Answer 1

Right now you should be more concerned that food is getting in the mouth, than how it gets there......

Answer 2

I think they all do that.=]

try using the other hand?

Answer 3

Of all the things to worry about, this is definitely one of those small things you shouldn't sweat.

When he gets into preschool/kindergarten, it'll probably change. But my son is 4 1/2 and has been in actual preschool with other children since he was 18 months. He still holds it funny sometimes.

Just remember they're going to figure out how to use utensils whichever way works best for them, whichever way gets the most food in their mouths with each bite, and however it feels right to them. When he realizes how much more he can keep on the spoon by not tilting it back when he brings it up, he'll switch it up. Let him learn, it's good for him. It builds character and a sense of independence.

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry about it.  Let him feed himself his own way and when he's hungry he'll figure out the best way to get food in.  Sit with him to draw and write with big crayons or washable markers and let him see the way you hold the crayon and draw things for him and write his name.  Don't scold him or correct him, just draw and write with him a little every day.  Don't turn it into a battle, eventually his grip will straighten out.  He won't be eating like that in the college cafeteria!

Answer 5

HE feeds himself, yes? Don't worrry about it. He will get the hang of it soon. As far as writing, work with him on holding the pencil and don't stress on that either. My 4 yr old daughter still prefers to scribble a lot of times. I'm not worried.

Answer 6

To be honest with you, I wouldn't worry about it to much, my daughter is 3 and still looks very awkward holding a utensil... If anything draw attention to yourself when you are eating and how you hold your fork, and he'll catch on, some kids just take some time.. He'll be fine! :)

Answer 7

that's normal my daughter is 3 and she doesn't hold the fork normal either. but she feeds her self and that's what is most important. you can put the fork in his hand the right way but most likely he is doing it this way because it's easier and he is still learning. give him time he will get it

Answer 8

I work at a daycare and I see children who are even 4-5 who can't hold their forks and spoons correctly. It takes time. I wouldn't worry.