Is it normal that my son is hungry almost every half hour

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6 Comments

My son is 3 and all he wants to do is eat, for example this morning he had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then he had 2 waffles and some raisins, as soon as he finished he said he was still hungry and wanted chicken nuggets. So I tell him no and then he throws a tantrum. Everyday is the same problem, every 5 min he says he's hungry and I keep telling him no not until lunchtime or snacktime or whatever the case, and he throws a tantrum. He throws probably about 3 or 4 tantrums a day for being "hungry" I was worried maybe he had a tapeworm or something but he's not showing any other signs of that. What can I do I'm getting so angry at him for crying all damn day long, and I try distracting him by playing games with him or coloring or anything, but 5 min will pass and it will go back to the same thing "mom I'm hungry," then more crying when I say no UGHH!

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57% Normal
Based on 40 votes (23 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • charli.m
    11 years ago

    Is it just habit or a medical thing?

    My kids I look after are always bugging me for food when they get bored (or in the case of one kid...because he sees food). But, as you know, we can't let them eat all day long. Try distracting your son with a change of environment rather than games? Not always possible, I know. Every 2-3 hrs is about right for meals and snacks for that age. What does he eat when it's snack and meal time? If he's truly hungry, then he will eat fruits and veges as a snack. Sliced cucumber, carrot and capsicum/bell pepper with some hommous or other dip is a great snack. Even a few crackers or something as a treat to dip.

    If the tantrums don't stop, then it might be medical instead of behavioural. Might be an idea to get him checked if you're really concerned.

    I somehow got to watching Maury episodes on youtube :/ The 200lb children...jesus...what got to me about that was these parents saying, "But he/she is always hungry and tantrums if I don't feed him/her!" and you see the kid just whinging a bit :/ And given fucking buckets of fried chicken and like...five burgers and shit for a 'snack' ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!

    Like, seriously...I don't consider it a tantrum unless they're red in the face, snot flying everywhere and prostrate on the floor, kicking and screaming. Anything else is just annoying. Maybe I'm just too used to it. Heh. I'm not saying it's not difficult to hear your kid scream like that...but if you're at home when it happens, as long as there's nothing they can harm themselves with while he's flailing around...walk away, do something to calm yourself down, try to ignore the screams (not easy, I know. I get angry, too). When he's calm, hug him (even though you probably won't want to after the agitating screaming) and tell him that you understand he wants some things, but we only eat at specific times. He's old enough (barring any conditions) for you to tell him that screaming doesn't get him what he wants, and he needs to find another way of conveying his frustration/anger/disappointment.

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    • charli.m
      11 years ago

      Sorry...more...

      Maybe have a snack box...make it up together each morning. Some ideas: A handful of raisins or other dried fruit, some cut up apple, some carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes/baby cucumbers, vege fritata slice, a few cubes of cheese, 2-3 crackers, some berries, some toast with a healthy spread (tahini/avocado/hommous/just butter). Have maybe 5-6 of these and when he's hungry, give it to him to choose from. It means you're prepared when he says he's hungry, and you're only giving him good options, plus he's got some input in the creation of it (limit it to only one treat like snack...and I'm not talking sugary stuff...) which often helps, as he feels like he's got some choice in the matter.

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  • Avant-Garde
    11 years ago

    Take him to a doctor.

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  • MarshaD
    11 years ago

    Yikes! I don't know how old these posts are.. Hope you took him to the doctor. ;o)

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  • raphydaphy
    11 years ago

    no, it means he wants attention and the more you give him food when he asks, the more he will ask for it and George you know it you child becomes unhealthily fat. you need to make sure that he understands that when you say NO, it means NO, and he doesn't get fed until you know that he's ACTUALLY hungry!

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  • Moonbow
    11 years ago

    Kids will eat every hour if you feed them ever hour. You're the parent, you set the rules, start feeding him at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with nothing in between. If he throws a tantrum, put him in a room, close the door and make him stay there until he behaves. If you don't stop feeding him between meals, you'll end up with a morbidly obese kid.

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