Knife and fork

[Dzintra]

My son aged 10 insists that he cannot use his knife and fork in the correct way, i.e. knife in the right hand and fork in the left hand. He is right handed. Should I be encouraging him constantly to use his knife and fork correctly or is this something that is acceptable?

[Psychick]

As someone who was always forced to eat right handed because they wrote right handed, please dont force him. It is quite common for people to be ambidextrous (sp?) This simply means they find some tasks easier done left handed and others done right handed.

[banjobabe]

Hey Dzintra,

I wouldn't make an issue out of it. Let him get on with it. He may feel uncomfortable around others as he gets older and will switch, I really don't think it matters.

One thing I have learnt from being a parent is:

Choose your battles (carefully!)

BB xx

[redcrx]

as long as he is using a knife and fork i dont see what the concern is.
He is obviously able to use either hand for tasks so let him do so.

[andrea81]

I am right handed, but eat as if I was left handed.

At least he eats with a knife and fork! Some kids only know how to eat something if its wrapped in a bun or is finger licking good!

Don't worry about it, it's not a problem! ; -)

[Dzintra]

Hi - thanks so much for your reply. That's really put my mind at rest. It's my child minder who raised the issue but we will now leave Sam to enjoy his food in peace.

Many thanks.
Dzintra

[funnygirl]

Many people don't seem to use a knife anymore!!

I must admit I'm a fork person and my middle son especially, I am ashamed to say, still cannot hold a knife properly!!!

Sometimes, he even uses his fingers, like some arab people do I think!!!

[mccfluff]

i use my fingers! - ok usually knife and fork if its hot food! and chopsticks, pretty much any implemant that gets food from a plate to my mouth is good by me!

[4getmenot]

fingers and paper plates are the way forward :-)

[bigmamma]

My son eats with the fork in his right hand and knife in left even though he writes right handed. He used to change them over right from being a toddler , it's not something he's learned , just natural , so I wouldn't insist he uses them your way . :-) x

[Dzintra]

Bigmanma - thanks very much. I now totally agree XX

[theonlyone]

I'm left handed but always use the knife in my right hand ..at least he uses a knife and fork

[cazzz1975]

my sister is right handed and has always eaten with her knife in her left hand and the fork in her right, its never been a huge issue and its surprisingly common

[ytrewq]

Me too, right-handed and eat left handed. Always have, nothing to worry about.

[Dzintra]

Thanks very much. I am definitely convinced.

[Hellyon]

My husband is left handed but apart from write he does everything else right handed including holding his knife and fork. Your son sounds quite normal to me.

[Dzintra]

Hellyon, thanks very much for your reply. I am not worried whatsoever now.

[summersoon]

Hey i do that! Eat left handed even though i am right-handed.

(Just thought id add that!!)

[Bee35]

I am left handed and hold the knife inleft hand and the fork in right, except when I am eating a meal which does not require a knife and then hold the fork in my left hand. it does not matter. There is no correct way.
My mum is also left handed but holds her cutlery the opposite was to me.