Question about toddlers and feeding themselves w/ spoons

Question

What do you do when your one year old helps guide the spoon to his mouth to feed himself and then throws the spoon on the floor. He only tries to help once in a while and I'm all about encouraging him to do so, but I'm just not sure what to do when he throws the spoon. Do I just accept it and continue to pick it up or scold him for doing so. Also, when I want him to do it on his own, do I just give him the spoon and let 'er rip or will he let me know when he wants to do it on his own? How old are they (usually) when they are coordinated enough to do it completely on their own?

Answer 1

When he throws the spoon on the floor, point to it and tell him no. Leave it there for a bit, and then get it and wash it and give it back. Try again. If he tries to throw it again, try to stop him.

Answer 2

Now is a good time to encourage him. How about giving him a spoon as well as you having one? That's what we did with mine.