Learning to use a knife and fork together

Using a knife and fork together needs practice and coordination.

Helpful tips:

• encourage your child to hold the knife in their dominant hand where possible
• show them how to use a gentle sawing motion
• use visual reminders, such as pictures, showing where hands should be placed
• make sure fingers are positioned comfortably along the handles
• consistency is more important than perfection

Helping your child practise:

• start with soft foods such as fish fingers, cooked vegetables, omelettes or pancakes
• gradually move on to firmer foods as skills improve
• reduce distractions, such as screen time, during mealtimes
• offer help only when needed and encourage independence
• a serrated knife may make cutting easier
• consider using reward charts to celebrate progress
• practise cutting and stabbing skills away from mealtimes using playdough