Many parents and caregivers are concerned about how much their child eats.  For some, their concern is that the child is eating too little; for others, it is that the child is eating too much.  Children know best how much they need.  Parents and caregivers can help them meet their nutrient and energy needs by providing a variety of foods and by:

respecting the child's ability to determine how much food to eat;

offering portions suitable for the child, with options for seconds, and allowing children to serve themselves when possible.

setting regular meal and snack times - ones that work best for the preschooler and the family;

making the time for healthy eating so that meals and snacks are not rushed;

providing a comfortable setting for eating - one that is without distractions such as television, which can interfere with hunger and satiety cues;

not pressuring the child to eat!

Preschoolers can determine how much to eat!
While parents and caregivers determine the selection of foods offered, preschoolers can determine how much food the need.  Throughout the day, children are able to adjust their intake of energy.  For example, if a child has a low energy meal or snack, the next one tends to be higher in energy.  This explains why some children eat more at one meal than at another.

By trusting their hunger cues, preschoolers can learn to choose an amount they can expect to eat.  Parents and caregivers can help build this trust by responding appropriately to signs that indicate when the preschooler is hungry or satisfied.

Small Frequent Feedings:

Because preschoolers have both small stomachs and relatively high needs for energy, they may need to eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day.  This is most commonly achieved by three meals with a nutritious snack between meals. (Click here for great snack ideas)  Most preschoolers prefer regularly scheduled meals and snacks.

Appetites of Preschoolers Fluctuate

Appetites tend to increase during growth spurts and periods of intense activity, and fall when the preschooler is overly tired or excited.  Food intakes of preschoolers can very from day to day.  Over time, the child's intake of nutrients and energy typically average out, thus achieving a healthy balance.

Children with Small Appetites

Preschoolers who have small appetites and who typically eat smaller amounts of food - for example, the small child size portions at the lowest number of servings - need foods which are high in both nutrients and energy.  In feeding the smaller eater, parents and caregivers can offer:

food without insisting that the child eat if not hungry

small meals with a nutritious snack between meals

smaller portions with the option for seconds

nutrient rich foods, including foods high in iron such a meat, whole grain and enriched cereals, peas, beans and lentils

some energy dense foods such as peanut butter, cheese, higher fat yogurt, whole milk and muffins, which are nutritious and higher fat foods enjoyed by many preschoolers.