What to Do If Your Child Wants to Eat All the Time (Ages 5 to 8)

Children in this age group are constantly growing and burning energy, so frequent hunger is normal. Their small stomachs don’t stay full for long, and they need food every few hours. Rather than restricting food, focus on healthy choices and balanced eating habits.

Tips for Managing a Constant Eater

1. Encourage Healthy Choices

Instead of chips or sugary snacks, offer:
✔ Fruits (apples, bananas, berries)
✔ Cheese or yogurt
✔ Whole-grain crackers or popcorn
✔ Nuts (if no allergies)

2. Keep Nutritious Food Available

A fruit bowl on the counter or pre-cut veggies in the fridge can make healthy snacking easy and appealing.

3. Don’t Force a Clean Plate

Forcing kids to eat everything on their plate can disrupt their natural hunger cues and lead to overeating later. Let them stop when they feel full.

4. Set Limits on Bedtime Snacking

If hunger is a bedtime delay tactic, offer a snack 1-2 hours before bed and then close the kitchen for the night.

5. Watch for Emotional Eating

If your child turns to food for comfort or boredom, spend more quality time together to address emotional needs.

When to Be Concerned

If your child is gaining excess weight (according to their pediatrician’s growth chart) or eating mostly unhealthy foods, it may be time to adjust portion sizes and activity levels. Otherwise, frequent hunger is just part of growing up!