Do you require your kids to eat everything on their plate?
Posted September 3, 2015 - 1:07pm
I was surprised by a recent statistic published in Parenting that stated 2/3 of parents require/encourage their kids to finish everything on their plate. No judgement, but was wondering if you all did?
Frugal Minded M...
If they don't finish it, they are told they can't have any additional food to eat that night. No snacks or anything. I usually dish up there plates and usually give them less then they want so it's a requirement to eat at least the first serving to get a treat.
jonbonjovious
At our table we require two healthy "tastes". If you don't like it, then you don't have to eat it. Even if you didn't like it yesterday, and it's on your plate again tonight, you are still required two healthy "tastes".
Your Kid's Table
Yes, a lot of people use that rule, I often hear it called the "no thank you bite".
CandyOvercaffed
It completely depend on the day and the food. If it's something new and they honestly tried it I'm more lax. But if they are just fighting because they are tired and it's something we eat often I will be more strict. I mean, there are nights when *I* don't finish everything. So I try to think about that.
Your Kid's Table
Exactly! I totally get why people want their kids to finish their plates, but it's also important for them to recogize their hunger/full cues! Did I mention I'm a pediatric feeding therapist!
CandyOvercaffed
We talk about "listening to your body" all the time here. Because I'm that kind of mom - ha! So, yeah - I feel like I need to abide by that when it comes to eating, too.
beachcitymom
I don't follow this rule but I think it has a lot to do with it was a strict rule in my house when I was a child and I really didn't like the rule. My parents especially my dad were a bit over strict. :/
CandyOvercaffed
My dad was strict about that, too! I know I feel asleep at the table on more than one occasion because I wasn't allowed to get up until I was done. Good times. :0/
Mommy Ramblings
No we don't but we do want them to eat their dinner and will limit or say no dessert or any sweets if they really are not eating the majority of their dinner.
beachcitymom
I agree...my son has to eat a good dinner if he wants dessert or sweets.
sunnykathleen
I never did have this attitude and allowed my kids to be finished when they felt full. My ex-husband did want the kids to eat everything on their plates. We defnitely had a difference of opinion on that one!
Hallz105
Dinner would be a HUGE fight every night if we did that! My youngest rarely eats anything for dinner. We eat pretty early before sports and on those nights I always keep it very kid friendly so they will actually EAT but she still usually barely touches her dinner. Later if she's hungry I'll let her have a banana or sometimes oatmeal but that's it.
beachcitymom
My son isn't the best eater either. :/
Your Kid's Table
Well, I can tell you from helping a lot of picky eaters, that the no pressure works best in the long run!
Frugal Minded M...
I definitely don't insist my 3 year old eat everything on her plate. I find she eats one really good meal a day and then just nibbles the rest.
Your Kid's Table
I think that is great, and, by the way it is totally typical for that age!
beachcitymom
yes, I am finding when I don't pressure him..he usually eats better.
Momofboys
It depends; if they are full, they don’t have to eat everything on their plate. However, if they do not want to eat it because it is a vegetable or something, they don’t get any snacks.