Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Health and Physical Development (HPD)

Subdomain: Self-Care

Goal: Children develop independence in caring for themselves and their environment.

Skill Progression: Eating/drinking

Age: 12-15 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 12-15 Months.

Observe the child during a mealtime.

Provide a two-handled cup with a lid, a spoon, and chopped table foods in small bites. Have all items on the child’s high chair tray.

The child uses both fingers and the spoon to eat. The spoon is directed toward the mouth from the side and then turned over.

Encourage parents to introduce a variety of different foods and textures to children when they are young. Parents can coarsely chop almost any vegetable or fruit and avoid highly sugared or salted processes foods. Children are also more motivated to eat when they can feed themselves. Provide opportunities for finger feeding, spoon-feeding, and cup drinking. Even if the adult is feeding the child, give the child a separate spoon to help.