I can try the hand trick. I have all 12-17 month olds and they all self-feed. I find it works best to give smaller servings as the food ends up all over when they try to use their forks and less is wasted with smaller amounts. Less is also wasted this way when they do the palm grab and try and get a fistful in their mouths. We are working on neatness but it was a huge feat to get 5 to self feed fully! I have no problems with giving numerous servings but they don't get repeats of just one food exclusively...but it's day 4 for this guy and he likely has no clue what he is being fed and is likely used to eating only what he wants at home so expects more by screaming...hence my trying to end that asap :-)