Any hints for eating issues?

[Mouse]

I've had a 2 .5 year old start with me. Their family isn't english so they've been used to eating different food. Mum is keen for me to try giving them the same food as the other children have .
He's doing really well so far for trying food, but spits most of it out. I realised on the first day that a big issue is with him chewing food - he doesn't seem to be able to chew. He tried a piece of sandwich (I'd already cut it small) but it stuck to the roof of his mouth and he didn't like it. I ended up having to tear the sandwiches into really tiny pieces and pop them in his mouth. He them kept them there until they'd virtually dissolved, then swallowed them.
He tried a piece of cheese but couldn't chew it, but ate grated cheese no problem.
Mum's told me that at home he eats mushy food and she feeds him. He also still drinks formula milk.

Mum is more than happy to work on this with me, so has anyone got any ideas for encouraging him to chew? Our lunch is normally something like sandwiches with salad and fruit. I'm thinking I'll need to avoid any fruit or veg with skin. Maybe serve partly stewed fruit or boiled veg to soften it but not turn it to mush?

[Pixie dust]

Mouse...that's a tricky one, I think it would be like weaning with babies so like you said thinking about the texture of the food you give them, mashed banana etc ? Could they have soup and then dip some bread in? Sounds like they need encouragement to feed themselves.

Will they feed themselves finger foods ?



Blowing bubble is a favourite to get the mouth muscles working and is always recommended for children with speech issues so I guess it may help.

[loocyloo]

Difficult one Mouse, but good mum is keen to work with you.

I think Pixies ideas are good ... i was going to suggest soup ( THICK ) and bread to dip. ... but that sounds similar to mums 'mushy food' so i really don't know.

good luck x