My 2 yr old son eats to much I think, he is not fat but solid as rock should I just let him eat?

Question

He eats what ever I give him to eat and it seems as though he does not get full. I try to make him stop but he just gets mad at me. I try to feed him 3 times a day but that want work because he comes to me and tell me he's ready to eat or he's hungry. So I give him carrots and bannans, basiclly a lot of fruits and vegetables but he still always wants to eat. As long as I let him he will and it's not like he sits and eats he has to hurry up and finish eating to try to get more. I really don't understand and it makes me upset sometimes because I hate going places where there will be food because I know as long as it there he is going to want to eat so I'm always telling him no or taking him snacks so that he can be satisfied but when it's all gone it's back to "no you can't have anything else and don't ask". He will ask a stranger for there food, I mean people I have never seen before if they are eating he wants some I really don't understand.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have the right idea of supplementing some of his snacks with fruits and vegetables...But you have to make him understand it's not polite or safe to ask strangers for food.
I'm curious have you talked with the doctor about this? If the Doctor says he's a healthy weight,,than go with it..He may be just a big boy and a future NFL player... But really, speak with your pediatrician b/c he/she is the authority.

Answer 2

I would discuss this behavior w/ a doctor, b/c my two yr old (30lb) daughter eats 3 meals a day and 2-3 snacks a day. And most of the time she doesn't finish the meals or snacks b/c she becomes full right away. But she doesn't inhale it or ask others for food. She still has a limited amount of space in her little tummy and she can only hold so much. It sounds like your son feels like there is a never ending amount of space in his little tummy and that's not normal. Maybe there is something physically wrong w/ him that he can't feel full.

Answer 3

First, consult your doctor to make sure there is no medical reason for his appetite. If none is found, you will need to increase the number of times he's eating. We've gotten into 3 meals a day but 5 smaller meals a day is better for everyone. Also, limit the amount of sugar he takes in. If he has cereal for breakfast, make sure you check the label because kids' cereals are loaded with sugar.

Always carry some plain dry cheerios, a piece of fruit, or granola bar with you when you go out.

Also, remember kids are very active and burn a lot more energy (the reason to stay away from sugar and caffeine) and daily vitamins WILL increase their appetites.

Answer 4

There are disorders that can cause even so young a child to constantly eat.

However, it's also pretty normal for a 2 year old to graze all day long. It sounds as if you may have made it into a battle-of-wills kind of issue. I think it's never a good idea to restrict a nomal, healthy child's eating as long as the vast majority of food you provide is healthy. Sometimes, when parents interfere in the formation of normal, healthy eating patterns (often by actions done in love) it CAN lead to eating issues later in life.

Answer 5

Is he overweight? Have you discussed your concerns with the doctor? these are the two things that first must be answered before any other. If he is normal weight, then there may be a concern of why he wants to eat all the time. If weight is an issue, then he may be using food as a way to get attention (or to pacify) him. He then needs to find alternatives to food. One concern I have seen before is a disorder called pica. see your child's doctor. the link below discusses this disorder, and also has info about child nutrition

Answer 6

i have heard it said that a child that age will stop when they are full but instead of 3 meals a day try a schedule of 6 smaller meal a day like breakfast then a morning snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack and it can be healthy cause kids that age are growing has he always wanted to eat so much or has this just started cause my 2 yr old daughter goes though stages where she will not eat hardly anything then other days she will eat everything it just depends. i would really try it cause his metabolism my be really fast that would keep him going. defiantly limit his sugar and bread even natural sugar like fruits can cause a problem. here is a menu that might help


12 to 24 months:

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Cow's milk and cow's milk products can replace some or all of the formula or breast milk feedings after 1 year of age
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2-3 feedings of breast milk or 16-24 oz. of formula or 2-4 servings of milk or other calcium-rich food: yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, green leafy vegetables.
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Cereal, bread, rice, pasta, noodles (4 or more servings about 1/3 of an adult-size portion)
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Vitamin C-rich juice (4 oz. daily)
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Vegetables, raw or cooked (2 or more servings)
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Fruit (2 or more servings) -- offer at least one citrus fruit daily
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Meat, fish, or poultry, eggs, nut butters; beans; tofu (2 servings daily, each portion at least 1/2 ounce)

Answer 7

I would let him eat, both my children did the same thing at his age, just make sure that you feed him healthy food not junk, if you are really concerned I would suggest going to your local child health nurse and asking them for advice, it is free and they give great advice. I would also be teaching him about stranger safety and that its not safe to take food from strangers, my daughter also did the same thing and I was amazed at how many strangers would actually try to give her food, not safe at all.

Answer 8

I myself ate allot as a child, and still do, but it is either allot in one sitting once day, or spread out throughout the day. I suggest that you try feeding him a little more wheats. They are high in carbs, and they can fill you up faster. Don't feed him to much though. If he wants to eat all day, then feed him little snacks throughout the day. Never let your child eat like a pig all day every day. it is absolutely unhealthy.

Answer 9

As a strength trainer and powerlifter, I suggest to let him eat. If your son was a teenage couch potatoe I would suggest to monitor his food intake.
Some people like myself, have an overactive appetite and I can basically out eat many fat people, without myself being fat.
If your son is very active and has the genetics to become muscular instead of fat, let him eat all he wants. He will thank you for it later on in life.

Answer 10

Check out drphil.com - the show on yesterday (2/7/07) was about obese children. There is helpful information posted on dealing with a child that eats and eats and eats.