Is this considered Greedy?

Question

I have a 3-year-old cousin who asks for everything someone gets. I know kids do this but he scarfs it down as if no one ever feeds him just so he can get some more quicker. I think this got out of hand when my aunt was arrested because he almost O.D. on medicine. Now he has to live with us and he'll just go to the refrigerator sit their with the door open and just eat because it's thier. I thought it was just genetic because my aunt eats alot, but this is ridiculous. When we pull up to McDonald's (Burger King, Wendy's, etc.) he throws tantrums if we don't give him the bag with food quick enough. We thought of eating and buying more healthier foods so when he eats at least its healthy for him. Basically I want to know if it's correct to call him greedy, or less harsh word.

Answer 1

Greedy? I don't think that's it, exactly. It's more of a need to control food & make sure that he has enough. It's not an emotionally healthy way of dealing with food.

Have you researched Reactive Attachment Disorder, yet? Hoarding/controlling/obsessing about food is one of the symptoms & what you've told of his history would point me in that direction.

Answer 2

Well instead of name calling, try kindly teaching him. One way is to have a "10 minute" rule. If he wants seconds, or more, then he must wait 10 minutes (to be sure he really is still hungry, or wanting to eat more). During the 10 minute wait time, he needs to go play or watch a video or look at books, rather then stay at the table focusing on seconds. Does that make sense?
Also, there is a very rare condition (disease?) out there that causes kids to over-eat. Not in a fat greedy way, but they are actually physically hungry ALL the time. That is not the problem however, its just a symptom of the real problem.
I seen a documentary awhile back about a boy with this; all thru his childhood, he would just sit at the fridge & eat & eat, and his mom couldnt figure out why or how he could possibly be so hungry, and it wasnt until later in life, when the boy was older, that they realized what the problem is.
Like I said, this condition is pretty rare, but its something to consider. I dont know the name of it but Im sure if you dig on the internet you could find out.
Something else to consider, if he was neglected or starved prior to living w/ you guys, he may think he needs to eat as much as he can now because he may not get any later.

Talk to his pediatrition, and make sure you get all the bases covered.
In any case, be extra loving & patient with him. Sounds like he is just learning to adjust to his new Home & surroundings.
He has only been on this crazy Earth for a few short years, and he trusts grown ups (anybody older then him, basically) to love him unconditionally and teach him the right things without making him feel bad or wrong.
Good luck!

Answer 3

This really isn't normal behavior for a three year old. Most will ask for what another has, most will dig in the fridge and most will want their McDonald's bag (esp the toy) quickly but this speaks to an emotional or cognitive issue. I worked with kids with diabilities for many years and this sounds like the beginnings of many other issues. Write down in a notebook all these little symptoms as well as what he is eating (itis a good idea to fill the house with healthy foods) and take the notebook and the kid to the doctor. The doctor can tell you how to tackle this and if this is something more than just his age.

Answer 4

First of all, NO, you do not call him greedy. And YES, you keep healthy snacks in the house, for him and everyone in your household. You teach politeness by demonstrating it. You do not give in to tantrums. If he throws a tantrum, you hold the bag and explain once he stops screaming, he may have his bag of food. If you offer carrot sticks and he demands potato chips, you explain that carrots are healthy for the body and potato chips are not. Of course, everyone in the household must adhere to the same eating habits. You might try offering healthy snacks every hour or two before he has time to go to the refrigerator to see what is in there, If he realizes food is being offered frequently, he may begin to realize he doesn't have to forage for food himself.
Some healthy snacks might include the already mentioned carrot sticks, a small bowl of Cheerios without milk, apple slices or celery sticks with peanut butter, raisins, grapes, yogurt, etc.

Answer 5

Thats not being greedy.....Thats called "being spoiled rotten"


If one of my kids threw a tantrum because he never got the bag quick enough from a fast food place , the food would be left (he can eat when he gets home) and he would be taken home immediatley for time out , then maybe a day or 2 with no playstation or tv

Answer 6

I understand your frustration with this issue but it sounds to me maybe there is something deeper here. I work with kids that have all sorts of behavior issues and food issues are usually at the top of the list. Most kids will overeat or eat constantly not because they are hungry but because it is something they can control. Or perhaps it could be from lack of food, they feel that they have to binge eat now because there may not be food for them later. Just a thought.

Answer 7

I know alot of 3 year olds that do this. You shouldnt really worry unless the child is obese.

Answer 8

for crying out loud he is just 3!!!! i would never call it greed maybe spoiled a little but not greed! its sad he is the one who has to get his own food! as an adult figure to him you or whoever is responsible should feed him at the appropriate time with the appropriate amount of food & control the situation.....a 3 year old should never have to get food for themselves.

Answer 9

he is bingeing.