Snack Isn't a Buffet

[TwinMama]

I usually give a choice of two or three things to pick from for snack. I have a 4 year old that acts like it's his job to eat as much snack as possible. Every day he tries to get as much as he can, and when I cut him off he gets irritated.

He also acts like it's a taste test. So if he takes a bite of orange and doesn't like it he asks for an apple. Or if the apple has a sliver of skin on it, he won't eat it.

The other kids are younger and have no problem with eating snack.

It's a battle with him, because he really wants to control the situation.

[LysesKids]

I usually give a choice of two or three things to pick from for snack. I have a 4 year old that acts like it's his job to eat as much snack as possible. Every day he tries to get as much as he can, and when I cut him off he gets irritated.

He also acts like it's a taste test. So if he takes a bite of orange and doesn't like it he asks for an apple. Or if the apple has a sliver of skin on it, he won't eat it.

The other kids are younger and have no problem with eating snack.

It's a battle with him, because he really wants to control the situation.

Why do you offer an option? Provide 2 items that are FP worthy for credit and let them eat it or not... and don't offer more than what is age appropriate; it's a SNACK. I don't give my older babes (12 months or older) an option - you eat what is offered or wait 'til next meal period. There are no 2nds on snacks

[Unregistered]

I've never done an option either! 11 yrs of here's your snack! I will give seconds and that's it.

I say just serve and ignore pleas for other snacks!

[Claraskids]

Why do you offer an option? Provide 2 items that are FP worthy for credit and let them eat it or not... and don't offer more than what is age appropriate; it's a SNACK. I don't give my older babes (12 months or older) an option - you eat what is offered or wait 'til next meal period. There are no 2nds on snacks

Ditto! I do exactly this. Put the right amount on the plate and that's all. I used to do seconds but quickly discovered that my picky eaters were not eating lunch and holding out till snack. Now snack usually contains one veggie plus one other item plus water. That's it. Take it or leave it. They sometimes ask for seconds, but I just remind them that this is a "snack", not lunch or supper. It is not suppose to be a huge meal.

[Jupadia]

I don't give options for meals or snacks kids get what I serve. If they chosse not to eat then that's their chosse they will not starve till their next meal. I give seconds but only start with small portions so I waste less whrn kids don't eat that much. Also there are no seconds if you don't eat what's on your plate (exception mabey if it's a new type of fruit or such but then I give a taster first). I would stop the options for the kids and if you do offer seconds don't let them have thirds. It's snack not super.

[midaycare]

"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit"

[childcaremom]

I do the same for snack as all my meals. Eat it or not but this is what is being served.

I do a small size snack but offer a lot of variety (in small helpings). I have everything plated and they eat what they want. No choices and no seconds at snack time.

If they say they are hungry after, Fantastic! Mommy or Daddy is going to have a yummy dinner with you in a bit.

[debbiedoeszip]

I usually give a choice of two or three things to pick from for snack. I have a 4 year old that acts like it's his job to eat as much snack as possible. Every day he tries to get as much as he can, and when I cut him off he gets irritated.

He also acts like it's a taste test. So if he takes a bite of orange and doesn't like it he asks for an apple. Or if the apple has a sliver of skin on it, he won't eat it.

The other kids are younger and have no problem with eating snack.

It's a battle with him, because he really wants to control the situation.

I make one snack and they can eat it or not. Snack is carb (starchy), protein, and a fruit or veg. I decide what it is and they decide to eat it or not. They have asked for substitutions but I've told them no (gently but firmly). If he pesters, ignore it.

[daycarediva]

If the options work for you, I would do this- allow him to chose, but he must finish what he chose before asking for anything else, seconds or a different item.

I do as everyone else does. Take it or leave it. I only do seconds of snack if available, eg someone took less so there is more left.

[TXhomedaycare]

I've never done an option either! 11 yrs of here's your snack! I will give seconds and that's it.

I say just serve and ignore pleas for other snacks!

only 3 years here but exactly the same. I always tell the kids eat what you like and you can have seconds but then your done. No issues ever ::

[Gemma]

I say just serve and ignore pleas for other snacks!

[Max]

"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit"

A staple childhood motto!