how do you get a child to take smaller bites when they eat?

Question

not sure if it's an impulse control thing?  5&1/2  year old boy.  Has always taken bites too big when he eats.  We cut things smaller, we tell him slow down.  Yet he still gets himself in trouble every 2-3 months.  Worried that it might happen at school or someplace where an adult doesn't see for 3 or 4 minutes.  It's troubling!  My father did this too his whole life, never learned.  They are not biologically related so it's not genetic.   Is there a method besides repetition?  Yes I'll ask pediatrician too.  But I'm wondering if anyone's had this, and what they did that worked.  I can't count on him to outgrow it apparently...  thanks!!

? · Answer

You really can't do anything except repeat it over and over again. You could even be somewhat humorous and say "slow down.  The food is not going anywhere".

Nightosphere · Answer

At five and a half he's old enough for you to explain it to him. I think it's odd that you waited this long to do anything, because now this is how he's used to eating.

tell him that when he takes big bites like that he could choke or that eating fast like that could give him a bellyache. tell him he should put one piece of food on his fork at a time. you can also dish out smaller portions at a time (till he's finished his whole meal) so that he has to eat slower because he doesn't have a big plate of food in front of him.

I think your best bet would be this: you could also offer to feed him, and tell him if he isn't going to take regular bites, you will feed him till he can slow down and eat normally. (chances are at five he is NOT going to want to be fed like a baby and will listen)

If it's really an issue i'd try what's mentioned above. If he's just a big eater i'd let it go.

Anonymous · Answer

"If you keep that up, your stomach will continue to grow 'til it explodes", is what my mother told me :)

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how do you get a child to take smaller bites when they eat?

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