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Is Your Child Eating Often? It May Not Be Hunger

Family & Caregiving

HealthDay News

(HealthDay News)—If your child always seems to be eating, you may need to figure out whether the desire to eat is physical or emotional.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends:

  • Teach your child how to rate hunger on a scale from one (extremely hungry) to 10 (completely satisfied). Your child should start eating when hunger rates a two or a three, and stop by a rating of seven.
  • Don't let your child wait to eat, which can lead to overeating.
  • If your child's hunger is at a five, he or she may be eating for emotional reasons. Ask the child what he or she is feeling.
  • Talk to your child about other ways to cope with emotions, such as by playing a game or solving a bothersome problem.

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