Your child may give it a try with the clumsy fork and knife, but at some point the fingers find their way into the food and the food finds its way everywhere. If your reckless diner won't stop messing, stop asking -- the amount of food scattering that can take place while you nag is significant. Instead, grab the plate away and give it a time-out somewhere out of reach of foodie fingers. Your child is more likely to hear your warnings, clean up, and take up the fork again if the return of food depends on it. More mealtime advice
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Dinner plate time out may work when you child is actually interested in eating, but would have been disaster when my two were smaller. The attention span on food was very short, and getting them to sit for even a small meal was a challenge. No 1 son was meticulous with knife and fork (the joys of not wanting to actually touch the food), but no 2 son still occasionally ploughs in with both hands! Wet wipes, napkins and quietly averted eyes generally resulted in fairly low stress and reasonably calorie-based meals.
Good point, Sheila! I borrowed your comment for Thursday’s tip.