my 4 year old daughter only eats small amounts and only when she wants to. is this ok?

Answer 1

My 4yr old son is the same way. Its fine, at this age they become picky eaters and have less of an appetite. My ped said that kids wont let themselves starve so dont worry about if she's eating enough because for her, that is enough.

Answer 2

So long as she remains healthy then she will eat what she needs although I'd suggest a vitamin supplement just to be sure. If her diet contains a good spread of healthy food then you're instincts will be your best judge.
I would suggest trying to get her into a routine of meal times though. At that age and probably school etc to come next then she won't have the chance to eat when she wants to and she might end up worse off is she spends half the morning feeling hungry and grumpy that it's not her normal. Try getting meal times arranged with a healthy snack mid morning and mid afternoon. Get her involved with the choice of meals and trying to get her looking forward to her meals that she's had a hand in. A reward chart for even trying certain foods - even if it's a lick - might kick start her into new tastes and a different appetite.

Answer 3

I'm not a parent so I can't offer any advice that you probably don't have already. What I will say is that my brother who is now 18 was a terrible eater as a kid. He'd go through phases where he'd only eat one type of food. Other times he'd be picky about what he ate, when he ate it, how much etc etc.

Rather than make a fuss, my mum made what she thought was nutritionally sound for him, put it on the table at the same time as everyone else was eating and left it to him what to do about it. She didn't give in to requests for snacks at other times. Eventually he ate when he was hungry and he always knew there would be food there.

The irony of it all is - he is healthy and fitter than myself, and is now studying to be a nutritionist!

I'd make as little fuss about it as possible, she'll eat when she's hungry.

Answer 4

Dont bother with doctors UNLESS she is losing weight or falling ill.

Dont Panic!

If I were you I'd get used to it - it's gonna go on for years!
My twin daughters finished an entire meal that was put in front of them a couple of weeks ago.
We were highly impressed as its the only meal they have finished since they were about 2 years old!
You just have to try and encourage them to eat.
Maybe changing a regular meal around.
One of the girls favourite colours is blue - so we got some blue food colouring and 'dyed' her entire meal blue!
blue beans (looked disgusting!), blue chips (very strange) and a piece of chicken breast also blue (what can I say - BLEURCH!)
The result? A lot of laughing and giggling and half a meal eaten - I think this qualifies as a success!

Just watch out for the general health of the young lady and you and she will be fine, just dont get annoyed with the fact she isn't eating cos that can make it worse for a while>

Good Luck

Answer 5

Regular meals are better....some kids use food and mealtimes as a way of control...I know this for a fact. You have to stick to your guns....no snacks between meals and a treat if she finishes. Don't over face her with large quantities. just gradually increase the amount. If you have any doubts check with a nutritionist. When she starts school full time she will have to eat with the other kids at the same time. She'll need the food for energy for a full day at school.

Answer 6

you should have times for eating and times where she don't sit down, a routine breakfast-lunch-and-dinner times ,make sure she goe's up the table, give her what you decide to have that day and dont change it she, will only go hungry for a short while ,because she is controlling you both with food.dont make a fuss give her a time to eat hopefully you should all eat together, if that's not possible ,then set a time limit, if she hasnt touched it the throw it away,if she askes for food tell her she has to wait for the next mea-l ie- lunch- do the same again dont make a fuss give her her lunch and do the same, she could be asked what she wants for lunch. but remind he once she decides that's it. it's a routine she needs, it's not being crule it's teaching her there's a time for food and that has to be stuck to,

Answer 7

Yes, children will eat when they are hungry and if she needs only a small amount through out the day that is fine.

Answer 8

yes its fine and very normal, if she has the energy she needs to play etc, is growing and developing normally and isnt very underweight shes fine. many children do this at this age. If you are concerned, get your dr or health visitor to check her over. in the meantime ddoes she drink a lot of water/squah etc? this can make them feel full and eat less, also try to reduce or cut out all together sweets and inbetween meal snacks so shes really hungry at meal times, give her a sticker chart and a sticker when she eats her dinner, a certain number of stickers in a row get her a new dolly or a trip to the park?

Answer 9

She will be fine, she will eat if shes hungry, my son was like that, he is now bigger than all my other kids, he still hardly eats but i make sure he gets high calorie foods so that he don't waste away. As long as she is running around like a normal child i wouldn't worry, if she is always tired then i would seek advise from a dietitian, but I'm sure she will be fine, i think we all do worry far\ too much over our kids, but granted i did the same, but my lads fine and im sure your daughter is too!!!

Answer 10

well pablo, first off; I love that name. Children go through different stages, some of which they won't eat hardly anything and others when they will eat everything in the house. Encourage her that it's important to eat to stay healthy but don't force it. Talk to her family doctor for tips on her eating habits and keep a close eye on her to avoid eating disorders or abnormalities.