20 Month Old Still On Purees & Barely Self Feeding Spoon

[nannywhack]

Thanks for the input everyone!

I should mention that although mom sometimes doesn't seem to acknowledge the points I bring up and try to discuss, she does sometimes take into consideration what I'm saying. For example, I had mentioned on a few occasions cutting down/out bottles but didn't feel like she was on board (I was giving dcb 3 bottles a day at that point plus mom was feeding him 2 at home!!!). Then after trying to discuss it again at a Friday pick up, dcb and mom returned on Monday morning to tell me they successfully cut out two bottles. I was asked to continue giving 1 bottle a day. And yes, he still gets that bottle now! Dcb completely rejected the sippy after months of me trying. I have successfully taught him to drink from a big boy cup but he is still quite messy. I know I need to stop the bottle too and have been working on the transition with dcb without even discussing with mom.

Teagansmom, regarding development, dcb was born prematurely by about 2 months. His fine motor skills are quite good. We do a lot of fine motor practice and he is more advanced than my 18 month old. His overall developmental seems to be on par for his age.

I blame myself for letting it this get to this point. This was my first dck. I found it hard to be direct and firm in the beginning even though I didn't agree with a lot of requests. I've already reviewed my policies to ensure this doesn't happen again. There is definitely a learning curve when starting a home daycare!

[kindertime]

Teagansmom, regarding development, dcb was born prematurely by about 2 months. His fine motor skills are quite good. We do a lot of fine motor practice and he is more advanced than my 18 month old. His overall developmental seems to be on par for his age.

This information does change things a bit. If he was born 20 mths ago but was 2 months premature, then he is considered 18mths. That is untill his 2nd birthday, then they go by birthdate in terms of development.

Are there any resourses in your area for parents, children or caregivers? In Ottawa, I have worked with Andrew Fleck and the Children's Treatment Centre and in Quebec we have CLSCs and Pavillon du Parc. They all help with children with special needs and famillies that need support. I don't know, of course, because I have not seen this dcb, but it is possible that he has a slight delay that requires specialized interventions. Some occupational therapy, maybe.

It may just be a hurdle, he may get past it soon, who knows, but it might be worth looking into it. Do you think the mom would be open to this? If you found a resourse, would she call them? Would she give you permission (in writing) to call on her behalf? If it turned out that he could have an occupational therapist come to your house 3x/week at lunch time for 1/2 hour, would you be open to that?

Fine motor skills are different from chewing and swallowing. There can be serious issues with this and not in other areas of development.

I am just asking these questions, as things for you to contemplate. If you aren't aware of any resourses like the kind I've mentioned, I'm sure some of us could help with that.

[nannywhack]

Kindertime, looking into outside resources is a great option I hadn't thought of. It's hard to say if dcm would be on board with an occupational therapist coming to my home. Dcb does have follow ups with specialists aside from his pediatrician but I get minimal information regarding these visits.

I have had a pretty successful week with the spoon feeding and I know we're on the right track in that department. But the food issues in general still need to be addressed. I'll keep working at it and will hopefully get some outside help. Thanks for your advice!