Q & A - Children and Flatware

Most children should begin using a knife during meals around the age of 4. I am a proponent of the Continental-style of eating. With this technique, the child does not put the knife down and switch the fork from left hand to right after each piece is cut. The knife remains in the right hand and may be used as a "pusher," if necessary, to ensure that food is firmly on the fork.

Question:

What is the best food to allow small children to practice using a knife?

Answer:

Waffles. Crisp warm waffles with a bit of syrup.

Bonus Tips:

Advise the child to be sure that the knife is not resting against the fork when cutting a bite-sized piece; and, to imagine that he or she is using the knife as tool to saw rather than trying to press and force the sharper edge of the knife through the food until it hits the plate.

#food #meal #practice #waffles #etiquette #bonus