Is it bad to make your kids eat when their not hungry?

Answer 1

Yes! They will eat when they are hungry. However, that does not mean that you should allow them to eat junk when they want.
Kids whose parents force them to eat are more at risk for childhood & adult obesity.

Answer 2

That is a tough question. For example, my sisters kids are really picky eaters. They came today for dinner at 2:00 and they hadn't eaten since breakfast. I had a country style meal and all the older boy would eat is cornbread. As long as the mom is on top of things and isn't being conned into letting the kids eat junk after a good meal all the time, then they shouldn't force the kids to eat, but I have noticed that some kids say they aren't hungry every time a healthy meal is served and then eat out of the junk cabinet.

Answer 3

Yes it is bad. Kids will not starve themselves, they will eat if they are hungry, it is different if they just refuse dinner and want a cookie after, in that case, just put a little in a container and pop it in the microwave when they ask for a snack. I have 4 kids, my first 3 are healthy eaters, but my little girl is hard to get to eat anything, what I do with her, I sit infront of her with her plate and start eating, just tiny bites, then she sees that she is being left outside, and asks for food herself, and as soon as she is no longer interested, I leave her alone and so on. But don't make your kids eat if not hungry, I still remember how my parents made me sit at the table after everybody else left with something on my plate I didn't like, do you think I learned anything else but discusting the food even more.

Answer 4

In general, I think it is wrong. However, there are times when a parent has to put his or her foot down. I know because my parents had to do it to me. I never would eat breakfast and I ate dinner late in the evening. I was too busy playing and did not want to stop to make time to eat. I would say that I was not hungry. However, once I started eating, I ate like a horse. My mom made me eat when she noticed that I had not ate. A child should not go all day without eating or just eating candy/unhealthy foods.

Answer 5

Dont force your kids to eat, if they are not hungry. Ensure they get there three meals a day according to the food guide. They will eat if they become hungry.

Answer 6

Considering the sharp rise in child obesity rates, it is probably a bad idea to encourage a child to eat when they are not hungry. For years, medical doctors have disputed the "clean your plate" theory on feeding your kids. Teach your child about nutrition so he will be able to make healthy food choices, and allow his appetite to dictate how much he eats.

Answer 7

Why arn't they hungry? Are they eating too much between meals?
Kids need proper food to grow.....not candy, or chips. Limit what they eat between meals and I guarantee that they will be hungry at meal times!
That's part of being a good parent.

Answer 8

Children can be stubborn, and sometimes pull little stunts like this to get attention. If they are really not hungry, you will sign if they really are hungry but say they're not is if they mope around, are tired, have stomach pains, complain of not being able to sleep, or constantly ask for something to drink.

Answer 9

if you are a parent then here is something you may be missing. Young children use the "decision to eat" phenomenon as a way to be decisive in controlling their lives. Besides holding back the "toilet business." Do not be concerned when these little people refuse to eat, they will not starve, they will tell you when they're ready to eat! In the meantime, console yourself not the situation! Remain silent when they are not eating! "Or you can refuse to eat also.!" Volunteer Counselor Western Illinois University

Answer 10

YES!
Children should learn at a very young age that they should stop eating when they are full. In America we have a mind set that we must finish everything on the table, and this can lead to a lifetime of struggling with weight issues. My advice would be to feed your children smaller, more frequent meals, full of whole grains, protein, and colorful fruits and veggies.

Answer 11

It depends on how old they are and if they're hungry. If they're dictating to you when lunch or supper will be then it's time to take charge and be the parent.

I see many of my friends who allow their children to run the household which is ridiculous, later when everything appears (and is) out of complete control, they have no understanding how it could have happened.

Get a clue people!