Toddler behind on self feeding. Anyone?

My son wasn't a great eater from the age of 1 and had chronic constipation for a very long time so it's always been a battle trying to feed him or getting him to eat. He is much better now and has always shown interest in using cutlery imitating us and wanting to self feed but for the reasons above I would just feed him however way I could. This hasn't been too much of a concern until now as he's starting nursery soon and I've seen the kids there they are all bloody brilliant, eat so amazingly by themselves. I feel like I'm judged by the nursery and my son is at a massive disadvantage. The nursery is very enabling and encourage children to do everything themselves which is good to some extent but I'm worried my son won't be eating so much if he's left to his own devices. Can someone advise me on what I can do to help him to practice and get him upto speed with self feeding and any advice with regards to nursery? I've recently bought the panda ears cutlery set as recommended on here but he's finding them awkward to use as he's got used to our normal home cutlery only issue is he struggles to keep it straight into his mouth, it's always flipped over and food all on his clothes or floor. Any help please would be great mamas. Much love xx

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I would use normal cutlery and would allow him the time to practice. Be patient with him and try to interfere the less possible when he is trying. If he is struggling show him how to do it, and he will most likely imitate you. Explain at nursery the reasons why he is a bit behind and I’m sure they will do their best to accommodate and help in anyway they can.

Practice is key and it can be tough when we wwnt them to eat the food rather than drop it but do your best! Really let him have a go and trust he will get there eventually. I also let my LO have our normal cutlery so he gets used to it. If he is really struggling you could show him how to scoop

My daughter isn’t as good at using her cutlery compared to her cousins the same age. Probably is the practice aspect that Arooj mentioned. I usually let her feed herself and I’ll feed her too with another spoon or end up just feeding her because if she takes too long, she gets fed up and doesn’t want to eat anymore! I’ve liked and many sets of these “viners” ones. I’ve got them from larger tescos and tkmaxx too. Sharper than normal toddler cutlery. More like adult but smaller https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viners-Farmyard-Pce-Kids-Cutlery/dp/B0CB4Q1QPB/ref=asc_df_B0CB4Q1QPB/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=676329630209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12664125748462185164&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007355&hvtargid=pla-2273855906071&psc=1&mcid=61145be96ced37d08a52c1b7f725b39e&th=1&psc=1&gad_source=1

Thank you all for your encouragement and advice. He's a very hyper child too and tends to play with his food and spill it everywhere. I will continue to give him time to practice - probs stick with our regular home cutlery. Any advice on how to manage the mess on carpets? Thank you again.

Could u buy a mat to put under little one’s chair?

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