er....stomach, that is. Liam is an eating machine this week. He is 6 weeks shy of turning 4, and has NEVER eaten like this. "Mom, I'm still hungry!" It's like a broken record. lol. Do you just keep on feeding your kids when they get like this?

It must be that age! The last year both Matt and Braiden have been that way in spurts. I give them more within reason. At meal times I do give seconds, but half portions of what they originally had. KWIM? Then if they are still hungry and it seems like just too much, I encourage them to drink some water/milk and that be it. I hate to see them eat too much and end up sick...been there a few times too.

If it's just constant snacks they want (been there too) I make sure they get 3 solid meals and only one snack in between each. Make sure they are getting healthy snacks too, fruit, crackers, cheese. Cause for awhile Braiden would pick at his meals...then half hour later ask for a snack and point straight to cookies/pudding/etc...

Don't fret too much though. I think it's pretty typical.

I agree with what Katie said, Kim. :-D

My kids all went through stages when they were young where they just wanted to eat. I just made sure they were getting the 'right' amount and growing/gaining weight. 'The munchies' always passed and they never got into the habit of eating until being stuffed or into all day grazing. When my kids (especially my son) would go through growing spurts, I'd make sure they (he) were getting enough high protein foods and lots of veggies for vities. [OKOK]

If your child has just eaten enough for two, you have to ask yourself if they could possibly be 'hungry'. There's a big difference between having an empty stomach and wanting more. Also, encourage the kidlets to eat slowly and enjoy their meals. Give those tummies a chance to realize they're full. I've read that takes about 20 minutes. :-D

[lovingsmiley]

Joy [welcomewave]

Thanks Katie and JoyLynn! :mrgreen:

I've been doing basically what you both have mentioned...offering smaller second portions, then encouraging him to drink some milk/water. I've actually started to tell him "your tummy needs some time to realize it ate all that food!" lol.

I had not thought about the protein issue. We do fairly well with protein consumption, but I'll keep an eye on it. Lucky for me he loves veggies! I usually put out some fresh ones for the kids to munch on *before* their main course and both ds and dd just gobble them up! :D