This is exactly how I took the comment too!I think they've been reading the boards and Tim was referring to them feeding Jackson instead of him feeding himself. I noticed after he said "I know we're not supposed to be doing that but oh well!" Jenn laughed and the scene cut away.
I'm not a parent but I would have taken kids plates and cutlery and cut up his chicken then put the whole thing infront of him to eat himself. Obviously the china plate isn't a good idea but how can all 3 of them enjoy a hot meal when they feed him themselves?
As soon as the food comes into his sight he reacts as he knows the food comes from them!