"Your toddler may wield a spoon and fork like a pro and drink from a cup without spilling, but that doesn't mean mealtimes are smooth sailing just yet. He may be more interested in conducting little science experiments on his tray table — like pouring his orange juice into his cereal bowl — than eating. Or he may insist on sitting on your lap and eating what's on your plate. While it's a good idea to start setting limits during meals, don't force your child to eat or expect full compliance with your rules. "
~extracted from Babycenter for 23 months week 4 toddler.
Indeed, that's what Keane is going through during mealtimes! While he is now able to sit for a longer period during mealtimes, he'd expect to feed himself. But he is more of experimenting by mixing his rice with soup, or cutting the carrots, potatoes etc using his spoon. Therefore, I've to use two spoons; one for me to feed him, another for him to feed himself. However, I've to constantly remind him to stop 'playing' with the food and start feeding himself. When he obediently feeds himself (forget about the mess; toddlers are messy eaters!), I'd rejoice and praise him.
