Developments

[LittleLegsCM]

I know all children are different and all that but what's the 'average' for a child to be able to hold a spoon or other cutlery properly?*

Am I right in thinking that a LO that was 2 in march should at the least know how to how a spoon?
The 2YO I mind (was 2 beginning of march) doesn't really talk at all, the only thing he can understandably say is tan-chu (thank you) and doesn't seem to be showing signs of learning any new words (he completely refuses to join in when I play with the LOs and get them to repeat animal names or noises/facial features or anything like that). I've not really been that concerned about it before as I know they all Learn at different speeds etc but the spoon thing (as well as other little things I've noticed) is making me wonder if he may actually be having development issues.

I've never really noticed the spoon thing before as they normally have waffles & honey but I didn't have any in so they had to have cereal (which neither him or his older brother were happy with but hey ho) but he could not hold his spoon right at all even after me showing me him how to a few times he would give up and start using his hands again!

I know he hasn't had his local 2year check yet as i asked mum about it a little while ago (my son is 20 months and I wasn't sure if we had to book it or if they contact us) so with his speech, lack of coordination to hold a spoon, the fact he can't even put a simple circle, square or triangle in a shape sorter and ends up throwing it across the room (like he does with most toys) should I gently suggest to mum she tries to see someone or do I just keep my nose out and mouth shut?! (his older brother has ADHD with aspergus tendencies as well as 2 of mums brothers but she's certain he hasnt, it's come up before due to his violent tendencies)

Sorry that came out a lot lengthier than I wanted, thank you if you got to the end x

[sarah707]

Very often children aren't shown how to use a spoon -so they can't do it! It takes a lot more than 1 or 2 goes to become competent. Was he weaned using the baby led method? Parents might be happy for him to use his hands...

As for the speech if you are concerned talk to mum about how she helps him learn new words and find out what he is saying at home. You could make him a communication book using pictures and give that a few weeks - see how he responds.

I would write some notes for mum to share with the health visitor at his 2 year check and see what comes back from there.

Hth :D

[rickysmiths]

Lets put it this way I have a little one that was two in the middle of March and has speech delay.

We are lucky in our area we have a walk in clinic with a Specialist Children'd Nurse. I suggested at Christmas that his mum took him there. She did he was referred to an Ear Nose and Throat Consultant and it was discovered that he had severe Glue Ear. He has been back twice for checks and the Glue Ear has cleared and he was referred on to a Speech Therapist with whom he had his first appointment last Friday.

I would get this mum to see her doctor/Health Visitor as soon as possible.

It is better to get into the system for help because as you can see it takes time. If he suddenly spouts language then appointments can be cancelled. If it is left much longer and he goes to pre-school they will wait to get to know him before they recommend anything. If he gets to school then it is too late and it will be very difficult even with help for him to catch up. Typically school won't do anything for a year because they will want to find out what he is like and they won't have funding in place at that stage to give him extra help.

[LittleLegsCM]

Very often children aren't shown how to use a spoon -so they can't do it! It takes a lot more than 1 or 2 goes to become competent. Was he weaned using the baby led method? Parents might be happy for him to use his hands...

As for the speech if you are concerned talk to mum about how she helps him learn new words and find out what he is saying at home. You could make him a communication book using pictures and give that a few weeks - see how he responds.

I would write some notes for mum to share with the health visitor at his 2 year check and see what comes back from there.

Hth :D

My son was BLW'd but could confidently hold a spoon by 11months. In answer to your question though, no he wasn't. I know my son doing it so early is rare so therefore not the best example but I'd of thought by now a 2yo would've able to?

I've mentioned the speech before just in a curiosity type of way (whether his brother was a slow talker and that type of thing) but mum didn't really say much and wasn't really bothered by it.

[rickysmiths]

My son was BLW'd but could confidently hold a spoon by 11months. In answer to your question though, no he wasn't. I know my son doing it so early is rare so therefore not the best example but I'd of thought by now a 2yo would've able to?

I've mentioned the speech before just in a curiosity type of way (whether his brother was a slow talker and that type of thing) but mum didn't really say much and wasn't really bothered by it.



I would expect a two year old to be able to use a spoon but as Sarah said it depends if he has been taught or grown up eating finger food. I would strat showing and encouraging him and see how he does.

With the speech, I would be concerned and be seeking help but you can only advise the parents you can't force them. Just keep notes of what and when you say to the parents and do observations and not what and where you think the child is and how he is progressing so you can show how you helped.

I would also do a regular review for the parents and give them the LJ and ask them to sign for each review and sign the LJ each time they have seen it. That way you have done all you can to highlight any issues and you have shared them with the parents. You have no control over what the parents do or don't do with the information and advise you have offered.

[QualityCare]

With the spoon thing as sarah707 says it could be that he hasn't been shown/allowed to at home, some parents feed their children because its quicker and cleaner l had a 2yr old that dad wouldn't let feed herself, she had her dinner here so was able to with me. Perhaps you could give a yoghurt tipped in a bowel at first as a snack and go back to the basics of spoon feeding with him and see if he grasps the co-ordination needed.