"I'm Hungry"

[deliberateliterate]

What do you do when your older kids (4+) constantly tell you that they are hungry during "quiet" time? I always make enough lunch for them to have as much as they want, and rarely cut them off, yet this is a daily issue. They want more lunch now, which I have, but all of their bowls, cups and utencils are in the dishwasher, and I really don't want to reclean the kitchen. We finished lunch less than an hour ago. I feel like a broken record "you should have had more lunch, remember to have enough tomorrow". I even remind them during lunch "don't forget to eat until you're full so you don't get hungry during quiet time"

Their constant whiny "I'm huuuunnnggggrrrryyy", is getting to me.

[MissAnn]

What do you do when your older kids (4+) constantly tell you that they are hungry during "quiet" time? I always make enough lunch for them to have as much as they want, and rarely cut them off, yet this is a daily issue. They want more lunch now, which I have, but all of their bowls, cups and utencils are in the dishwasher, and I really don't want to reclean the kitchen. We finished lunch less than an hour ago. I feel like a broken record "you should have had more lunch, remember to have enough tomorrow". I even remind them during lunch "don't forget to eat until you're full so you don't get hungry during quiet time"

Their constant whiny "I'm huuuunnnggggrrrryyy", is getting to me.

I only serve meals at meal time. My kids know this so they never ask. If you let up one time....you've lost the battle until you make them understand that eating is moly done at eating time. I wouldn't mention making sure they eat enough so they don't get hungry at quiet time.....you might have fed them that idea.

Lunch is over. You can eat at snack. Nighty night

[Shell]

I've had kids do this. I do the same as you, and say something like, " you will get snack after nap" and I usually offer a drink of milk or water. Some of the bigger kids could probably eat all day, but you have given them more than enough and they need to wait until the next snack time.

[Play Care]

Lunch is over. You can eat at snack. Nighty night

This.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I had one try this. I just said in a monotone voice, "Snack time is after nap time." And walked away. Did it two more times the following days anf never heard a peep again. No discussion needs to be had... Meals are served at meal times and after that you must wait. End of story.

[Blackcat31]

Lunch is over. You can eat at snack. Nighty night

This. NO further discussion about it.

[AmyKidsCo]

ONE time only : "Good! We'll have a snack after nap. Have a good rest!"

Afterwards: "I'll talk to you after nap." Ignore next several comments, then repeat. Ignore, repeat, ignore repeat. Eventually they'll get tired of it.

Also,put in earbuds (even if they're not on) so they think you're not listening. It's no fun to complain to someone who can't hear.

[Baby lady]

I only serve meals at meal time. My kids know this so they never ask. If you let up one time....you've lost the battle until you make them understand that eating is only done at eating time.

Yup, me too

[deliberateliterate]

Thanks for the reinforcement everyone. Of course the two worst offenders are my kids

[renodeb]

Maybe at that age they are mixing up hungry feelings with being bored. Make sure they get plenty of protein.
Deb

[Butter Biskets]

OMG, this is another issue I have been having too!! One girl is always hungry, but never eats all of what is given to her, then expects something else later. I feel like I am being so mean telling her that she will have to wait until such and such a time, but come on - so much food is going in the garbage! (Even when it is food that she has specifically requested). It is getting to the point that I am going to have a little chat with the mom and tell her if things don't smarten up, she will have to provide meals because this is ridiculous. I am adopting the before mentioned "snack time is after nap time" saying. I am going to write it down and tape it to the wall and after the first few days, just point to the sign. Just getting so tired of all of this already.

[MissAnn]

OMG, this is another issue I have been having too!! One girl is always hungry, but never eats all of what is given to her, then expects something else later. I feel like I am being so mean telling her that she will have to wait until such and such a time, but come on - so much food is going in the garbage! (Even when it is food that she has specifically requested). It is getting to the point that I am going to have a little chat with the mom and tell her if things don't smarten up, she will have to provide meals because this is ridiculous. I am adopting the before mentioned "snack time is after nap time" saying. I am going to write it down and tape it to the wall and after the first few days, just point to the sign. Just getting so tired of all of this already.

Do it!

I fell into the "I have to go potty" ploy with a new girl. I'm talking her squirming, holding herself and whining . One day I just said.....you already went potty, nighty night. I was so afraid she would wet and it would be my fault. She didn't! Now she knows we don't get up. Now......I'm not saying I never let my kids up to go potty......but I recognize the way she plays me. Kids are smart...they know how to work it.....they are experts.

What is the worst that can happen! She gets hungry.......well girlie, you should have ate your lunch!

[Heidi]

I only serve meals at meal time. My kids know this so they never ask. If you let up one time....you've lost the battle until you make them understand that eating is moly done at eating time. I wouldn't mention making sure they eat enough so they don't get hungry at quiet time.....you might have fed them that idea.

Lunch is over. You can eat at snack. Nighty night

"Hi, Hungry, nice to meet you, I'm Deliberate"

[Butter Biskets]

Do it!

I fell into the "I have to go potty" ploy with a new girl. I'm talking her squirming, holding herself and whining . One day I just said.....you already went potty, nighty night. I was so afraid she would wet and it would be my fault. She didn't! Now she knows we don't get up. Now......I'm not saying I never let my kids up to go potty......but I recognize the way she plays me. Kids are smart...they know how to work it.....they are experts.

What is the worst that can happen! She gets hungry.......well girlie, you should have ate your lunch!

I made the sign and posted it. We will see how it goes over tomorrow. ::

[Meyou]

I feel like such a softie!! If they've eaten their lunch and aren't being annoying I let them have apples, carrot sticks or raisins in between lunch and snack. In my defense, I have always had really good eaters with any SA kids so it's rare I have someone who bugging for snacks who hasn't eaten all their lunch first.

I know...weak excuse right?? But I was skinny as a rail when I was a kid and always starving so that's always in the back of my mind. My mom kept a huge bag of apples on the front doorstep for us to eat between meals or would pass us pb sandwiches out the door and send us away. ::

One of my brother's friends is still nicknamed "Stealin' Apples" 20 years after after my mom caught him filling his pockets from the doorstep bag.