Is it normal for a 4 yr old to eat even though i no she is full?

Question

My daughter wants to eat all night mom i want popcorn, chips, lunchables, tv dinners. Sometimes i will give in but lately i am worried that she is eating too much. I mean she eats a good dinner and still wants more food if im full i would think she would be. Please help!!!!

I also have tons of vegies in the house, its not only junk that she asks for she will ask for carrots an apple a fruit cup etc.

Answer 1

My daughter does the same thing. With her though, it is for attention. She doesn't see me all day long. Then when I get home, I am busy with chores and taking care of the other kids. She has figured out that every time she asks me for something, I have to stop what I am doing and give her my undivided attention. My suggestion is after supper if it is still too early for bed routine, either read a book together or play a quiet game. Chances are if you distract her she will not need the extra goodies. If she get through the activity without begging for food, reward her with an apple and a small drink then begin bedtime routine. You can change this up as needed per your situation.

Answer 2

Children do need to consume a lot of calories, but the meals should be balanced nutrition. If she is hungry after dinner, may I suggest some healthy snacks? Celery, carrot sticks, grapes,things like that. The chips and Lunchables stuff are full of sodium, fat and empty calories.Also encourage her to drink more water. A glass of water first, have her come back in five minutes if she's still hungry, and then offer her a healthy treat! If she doesn't want the healthy stuff, then she's not hungry. Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Ok, I have a 4 yr old neice who does the same thing. It is normal. But cut the junk. Not completely of course because she is a kid. But limit it. Try this... my sister does it and it works wonders with my niece!!! after breakfast if shes still hungary she can have any snack she wants the same thing after dinner adn lunch. But only give her 1. After that if she's still hungary give her stuff like baby carrots, or an apple, or something healthy. If you're worried it's still too much try only vegastables when you think she's had enough. Not a lot of 4 yr olds will eat a ton if all they can eat is vegetables! Like I said it works wonders with my niece!

Answer 4

no way!!! im so not being rude but u will raise an overweight unhealthy child.. listen carefully it works!! after the child eats dinner do not allow more then 3 hrs to pass b4 bed ! if u do or she still says shes hungry but she ate dinner well n u know shes not, offer a very healthy food carrot celery wheat crackers fruit! if she will not eat it she is NOT hungry she just likes the taste or is bored or stalling before bedtime! (a hungry person eats whatever they can get!) plus if she ate u know shes not hungry! make sure she eats 3 meals n 1 or 2 snacks a day in 3 hour intervals.. stick to ur guns!

Answer 5

explain to her that over eating is way unhealthy and after she eats chips and pop etc say enough if you are still honestly hungry you can eat fruits or vegetables only because its been enough junk for the night and if she is still seriously hungry she will have no problem eating the fruits. Also eat lots of fruit in front of her and exaggerate how good the taste of fruit is so that she gets more interested in it. Try to be tough and loving because its what is best for her in the end for her health.



# If you are worried about hurting your child's feelings by not giving him/her what he/she wants to eat, remember that refusing to give your child unhealthy foods could actually save his/her life.

# Understand that it's not always important that your child likes you. Sometimes what is important is that your child respects the boundaries that you've put down. It's your job to do what you need to do as a parent to ensure your child's well-being, whether he/she likes it or not.

# The fact that you may be uncomfortable saying no to your child does not release you of your responsibility to do so when it's in your child's best interest. That's why parenting is hard. Parents have to step up to the plate and do what needs to be done, whether they end up being the bad guy or not.

# Remember that your job as a parent is not to tell your child what he/she wants to hear. Your job is to tell your child what he/she needs to hear.

# Do not use food as a reward. You can love your child in different ways without food. Why not reward your child with your time? Reading a bedtime story, taking a walk or playing catch are things you can do to connect with your child and make them feel special without unnecessary calories.

# Don't use food to medicate your child emotionally. It might make your child feel good for the moment, but he/she could pay a high physical, emotional and social price for your unwillingness to step up and do what is required instead of what feels good at the time.

Answer 6

It is also possible that your daughter has either an eating disorder or a condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome for which one of the hallmark symptoms is an unquenchable appetite. I'm no expert in either, so beyond my diseminating this information, and a link for additional information on Prader-Willi Syndrome at http://www.pwsausa.org/index.html I'm not qualified to provide any other information. If you have reason to think this might be the case, I would definitely seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Answer 7

you should not give her all the food you just listed, it is not nutritious but it is full of calories.
Give her fruit instead, and do not keep popcorn, chips lunchables or tv dinner at home at all.
Give her a lot of vegetables and whole grain bread, never white.
.

Answer 8

Let her eat on demand. And let her stop when she gets full. Here's a little tip however. It takes approximately 20 minutes after you start eating for your body to figure out that it is full. Maybe slowing her down a bit would help.

http://www.handlethetruth.net

Answer 9

Tripp C said it - if she wants more food, offer her only nutricious / healthy foods/snacks. Fruits and veggies have a lot less calories and she won't get big from eating them, she'll just get healthier.

Answer 10

If she wants extra food, give her healthy foods instead of snacks.