My 4 year old takes forever to eat

[tk8]

My 4 year old eats very slowly, no matter what we try he still takes forever to eat. Like tonight we sat down for dinner,everyone else has finished and had dessert he was still eating the same thing. It was over 2 hours before he finished. I am worried about him. Also is it normal for a child of his age to still eat 1 thing at a time?

[specialmom]

Hi, I have a 5 year old and a 4 year old.  I think one way kids kind of exert their power is over food.  My husband was very concerned about our kids and eating and talked to our pediatrician about it.  He was told that kids actually don't need all that much food, not what most parents think they do.  They need as much protein that fits into the palm of THEIR hand (small).  That is the most important thing.  That getting into a power struggle with them over it will actually backfire.

I would lay off a little, to be honest.  Make meal time a fun time of day, not a way.  Give your child some choices in what they eat and when possible, let them help prepare it.  I've even let my kids pick out some things themselves at the store.  Also preparation can play a hand.  My son doesn't like big, whole chunks of carrot but will eat the little slivers that are sold in the salad bar area.  Why, I have no idea.  But it's not a big deal to serve it to him that way and he'll eat it.  Making food look nice (cut sandwich into shapes, arrange the plate artfully) really can help.  Think about fancy resturants----  the best resturants have a consultant that arranges the visual of food on a plate (what, you say?  Well, when I was going through a rough spot doing couseling and psychological analysis as it was at times overwhelming, this was something I almost pursued as a career change . . .)  Anyway, it takes a little extra time but if your child will happily eat and try new foods, it is worth it.
Make healthy food the food that is available in your home then who cares what choice your child makes----- it is all healthy.  And if your child tries something new----- give them lots and lots of praise, even if they don't take another bite at that meal.  

Try to keep the peace over food and encourage your child to grow in this area.
Good luck!!

[s11mas]

Hey food907, I just realised after reading your artical that I am not the only one going through this.  My 4 and a half year old son is exactly the same.  He is very loving and caring but when it comes to food its a nightmare.  I have also tried everything, same like you and nothing has worked so far.  since yesterday I have starting setting time limits to his dinner and giving him only 45 mins but  I still have to be there and watch him otherwise he will not eat, dont know what else to do... he has been like this for 2 and a half years....he can go without food all day and still have alof of energy....

[food907]

I have a 4 1/2 year old and she is so sweet, caring and loving.  When she plays with her 3 month old sister you feel like crying cause of the thoughful sweet things she says to her.  But when it comes to food its a nightmare.  My husband refuses to stay home with her for more than 4 hours cause he can't stand her eating habits.  If I am to go out I have to make sure she eats which takes about 1-2 hour and most of the time it end up in a crying, yelling or throw up session.  I am at my wits end with this child.  I have tried everything....from feeding her, taking her toys away, timing her, giving her what she wants, bribe her with cake candy, TV, computer and nothing works.  I would even tell her if she does not eat no school or TV or playing with ther toys...still nothing works.  She would go hungry all day long.  Everytime my mother in law comes over she would loose 3 pounds or more cause she thinks she knows whats best fo rmy daughter. If there is anything or anyone out there that has any suggestion I would love to hear it

[JRmum13]

My six-year old girl is also taking forever to eat and always seem to have no appetite. She is also easily distracted and keep the food in the mouth for long time. I tried preparing food that she likes but it still takes a long time for her to eat. and every meal, she will negotiate on the quantity she should eat and always complain about not able to swallow...she is very skinny and not gaining weight (some ppl told us not to be unduly worried as it might be genes as both my husband and myself are small frame). Though skinny, she is otherwise healthy. Is there a cause for concern to have six-year olds having this eating behaviour?

[Venusian101]

5 yr old girl, same thing takes forever to eat. What I have found helpful was just saying... " I betcha can't eat that piece of chicken before I finish my chicken, but theres one rule... You can only eat it one bite at a time and have to chew it up completely" She thinks it's kinda fun and I almost always let her beat me. So she revels in her victory too. It's fun... Even if we are always the last two at the table, it's like a special bonding time.

[Kaylee55]

My son used to do the same thing every morning and it would drive me nuts.  He would take forever to eat and then we would end up feeling rushed the rest of the morning and I would be in a bad mood.  I ended up giving him a time limit and setting the timing on my stove.  He can see it and knew how much time he had.  At first he did not believe me but after a couple of times where he ran out of time and the food went away he got the idea and now I don't have any more problems with it.  Good luck to you.