Parenting Tips for Your 13-14 Month Old Toddler
Toddlers love to feed themselves with their fingers. Did you know that self-feeding also helps your child learn? Picking up bite-sized food is a great way to learn finger control and eye-hand coordination.
Feeding himself gives your child self-confidence, and helps him learn to make choices. It’s a great way to teach healthy eating habits.
Here are some tips for making self-feeding easier:
- Give healthy foods, such as breads and cereals made with whole grains, milk, protein, fruits and vegetables. Keep trying new foods. It may take 7-15 times before he’s willing to taste it.
- Start with finger foods. Picking up foods with the fingers is easier for your child. Cut foods into bite-sized pieces so he can pick them up.
- Buy toddler-sized forks and spoons with strong handles. Use a deep bowl; it makes scooping food easier than using a flat plate. Use a cup with a lid, like a sippy cup, to cut down on spills.
- It will be messy. Toddlers drop and spill foods. Put a plastic mat or tablecloth under his chair, and use a bib.
- Accidents will happen. If your child knocks over his bowl, drops food on the floor, or tips over his cup, let him know it’s okay if it was an accident. If he is full and is starting to play, then put the cup and bowl away.
Be relaxed. When children feed themselves, it takes more time than when you feed them. Take plenty of time for meals and snacks so your child won’t feel rushed. Some children take only a few minutes to eat; other children may take longer.
Learn more about Your Toddler: 13-14 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
