Sit with them at meal time and I would use the ones that attatch to the bibs so they can always grab them if they fall. They learn from watching us and will copy what we do x
We would just load the spoon and let her hold it and direct it into her mouth! And then when we moved on she would hold the spoon and I’d hold her hands to guide it and scoop the food Very messy! Still not 100% but she’s getting there xxx
We use 2 spoons or forks so she has one to practice holding and scooping/piercing and we use another to help her eat and then she’s also great with her hands. We found she was hating the silicone ones after a while - even with only handwashing they are a bit yuck. She was more interested in our silverware and was eating better off then so got her some Panda silver cutlery off Amazon. Still has a chunky silicone handle for grip but stainless steel. I think you just encourage it by always giving them the option and chance to use a spoon etc. Preload, help them scoop with their own spoon and then also feed them with a second spoon and also their hands. So a real mix but it’s worked for us and some meals she only wants to use her cutlery and feed herself, others she wants to use hands or have us feed her but she’s always got all the options. Also fork over spoon sometimes works better.