When should I start to teach my child to eat with a fork on her own?

[Lissa]

When is it normal for a child to learn to use silverware and what is the best way to teach them?

[bonbon]

mine started on his first birthday he just went and got one of his brothers plastic one and started eating his toast with it. and when i saw that he could use it very well i got children's silverware for him. ( about two months later)

[A C]

i gave my kid a plastic fork and spoon at about 1.5- 2 yrs old just to imitate us. my 3 yr old now uses them - but still dips with his hands.

[MomuttsMom]

At our Early Intervention center, we start encouraging the use of utensils at a year old. Of course, they aren't expected to use them efficiently until much later, but they are definitely introduced!