Three days of a family wedding with four boys older than him, where apparently whoever ate the most won. He came home announcing that he is a 'big eater' now. Last night: three chapatis, a second helping of rice, then flat on the floor groaning. I don't want to make food a big deal in either direction. How do you stop the 'who ate more' thing without him eating less than he's hungry for?
Our daughter's version was eating the fastest. Lasted till the next school trip, then she forgot about it.
fastest would be worse. at least 'most' comes with its own stomach ache as feedback.
Noting this for later. My brother and I did exactly this as boys, and our mother's answer was to stop counting out loud. Whether it worked, nobody in the family agrees.
Our 10 year old does this every time his cousins visit and goes back to normal within a week of them leaving. I'd give it a few days before doing anything ❤️
My son went through this at about the same age, after a summer with his cousins. What worked for us was serving his plate once, in the kitchen, and asking him to wait ten minutes before any second helping. Usually he did not want it by then. The contest needs an audience, and at home there was none.
one plate and a ten minute wait. fair, and it isn't a rule about food. trying it tonight.
Keep going
More from the parents who were here.