My Daughter Will Not Stop Eating...

If she is hungry and she loves fruit and veges, why not give them to her? She is probably growing and now is a great opportunity to introduce her to new things that she may grow to love...don't judge her based on how it would be if she were an adult....if she is overweight, that's another story, but it doesn't sound like you have a problem!

give her a little cup 4 oz of apple juice. It is a antidepressant it will help her with her being hungry.

If she is eating fruits and veggies as a snack and still eating other things I don't see anything wrong. Fruit and veggies,since they are mosstly water, don't really fill you up. The only reason I would worry is if she is not eating any other kinds of food. If she is not over weight ahe should eat when she is hungry as long as what she is eating is good for her.

http://www.pwsausa.org/ My neighbours son has a daughter how has a syndrome called, Prader-willi syndrome, which has symptoms of unsatisfied hunger. You might want to check this website out.

Children do eat a lot. I would let her eat as you are doing, healthy snacks. My theory with my children, who are now grown was to offer fruits and veg's. It is good to have sack time in between meals.

Hope this helps. I pray for you, it is not easy when a mothers child hurts.
J.

Condition called Prader-willi (sp?) Oprah had a segment on this, and you can watch it online....you might also want to YOUTUBE it to see if their our support groups.

If your child is overweight this is a concern - and I'm not just talking about tall or built, I mean on the rollie side. This is something that needs to looked into. However, I have a son that loves to nibble all day long (will eat a meal, but prefers to graze through the day). I potion control by zip bags, and always request him drink a cup of water first. My kitchen isn't one that can be closed off so all cabinets are locked (our frig has a coating on it that prevents us looking it or else I would) so we make a meal or snacks and then say "kitchen closed" and our three aren't allowed in again. We put the snacks on shelves they can reach or in a snack drawer so they can help themselves, but they must seek us out and ask first.

hi

good idea to check with the doctor and if she/he does not come up with a plan check with another doctor!!! there is a syndrome 'prader willi' which involves eating EVERYTHING - it does not sound like that but you want to know!!!
getting the eating habits now in her life are important.....
will she drink water?
does she maybe need more milk or formula? - would that satisfy?
you prob know that juices have so much sugar that her level might rise and then drop and cause hunger - maybe
I am NOT a doctor, but you are on the right path - asking questions - good for you take care
B.

Please have her checked for diabetes and do it soon. My nephew had it at 2 years old and spent 2 weeks at childrens hospital intensive care, while they balanced his blood sugar. Check out some websites for juvenile diabetes symptoms, such as sweet smelling breath, constant hunger and thirsty. Make the doctor check the urine for diabetes. The only symptom my nephew had was constant sleepiness- he wanted to be carried all the time, since he was 2 years old everyone thought he was "shy." Found out later from some EMT people that he was near coma.

H., there is a form of disorder - I believe it's a variety of autism, that causes a child to eat like this. I will try to research it a bit and get back - I have heard of it as an aide in special education. Meanwhile, perhaps you could talk to the doctor who diagnosed your son. God Bless.

Back again - the disorder I mentioned is Prader-Willies and is not directly related to autism, but has some similar characteristics. Check online and with your physician. God bless

I know what you mean my 4 yr old son has been this way lately except for the garbage. It might just be she is going through a growth spurt. I know my son is...

J.

Ask the doctor about the possibility of Prader-Willi Syndrome. Non-stop eating is one of the symptoms....good luck

It could be an issue that you need to have checked out by your doctor but it could also be normal toddler behavior. I personnally love the book Child of Mine by Ellen Satter. She talks about feeding your child in a way that establishes healthy relationships with food. One thing that is says is that you need to let her eat as much as she wants (unless there is another issue that is causing her to be unsatiated). For a toddler they need set and predictable eating times and during those times they need to be allowed to eat whatever they want and they will learn to regulate themselves. She says you can choose when and what your child eats but not how much. Good luck and I hope this helps!

H., Does your son's ADD/PDD have physical underpinnings, like food allergies? If so, I would alert the pediatrician in case some of what you are experiencing with your daughter is related. When I read this, I found myself asking, "Is it about the food or about the smell?" I would definitely get the doctor motivated to stay on top of this. It may just be that both your kids have allergies that are associated with the behaviors that are displaying. I suspect, from reading your note, that the behaviors are a clue to a more fundamental physical issue and allergies are the first things to rule out, of course. If you live near San Francisco, if you can afford it, I would higly recommendation by Dr. Richard Kunin who is an orthomoledcular doctor. He's a genius at determining "cause." Clearly, your pediatrician is not going to be useful for the detective work you are up against on this one.

Go online and look for info on Prader-Willi Syndrome. While young children do eat a lot of meals during the day, going into the garbage is not normal.

OMG. Feed the child!

She may be having a growth spurt! Try giving her high protein snacks- like eggs, meat, beans, tofu, peanut butter; peanut butter with a little honey mixed in makes a nice dip for all her fruits and veggies. Also try oatrmeal or other hearty cereal. Last thing, make sure she's getting enough water. I've read that dehydrated kids can feel thirsty. Barring anything the doctor might find, I'd feed her if she's crying for food in a sincere way (as opposed to puting or having a tantrum) until you get his/her advice.

Hi H.,
I think some of us wish we had your problem. I can't get my two year old to eat enough and never the healthy stuff. I think as long as you keep it all fruits and veg for snacks, its not only low calorie but she's getting her vitamins and fiber too. Not to scare you, but the eating out of the garbage sounds like a condition on a documentary called prodder-willi syndrome. you could google that and see if there are any indications for young children. Good luck!

Hi H.,

My son was very thin, kind of skinny until he hit 6. Suddenly he was starving all the time. We thought since he was so thin it would be fine for him to eat when he wanted to. Within a year he gained 12 pounds and went from underweight to overweight. He is still starving at all times, and though he is active, he is still overweight. I now allow him to snack, but if he is truly hungry he will eat what I allow, which is only fruit or veggies as a between meal snack. But I sometimes have to stop him from eating too much at mealtime too. He will eat a full meal and swear he is still hungry.

If your little one isn't overweight, I would just make sure snacks are healthy and please talk to her doctor. Sometimes we think we're hungry when we have emotional needs.

She probably is going through a growth spurt. It can’t hurt if you give her healthy snacks. I was told kids have a built in sense they stop eating when they are full and eat when they are hungry. It sounds like she has a healthy appetite, I have a friend and her daughter doesn’t eat. She only wished she would eat. It is such a struggle for her.

As long as she's eating healthy foods, let her eat as much as she wants! Her body is growing at a phenomenal rate and she needs energy to build her bones, muscles, blood AND still keep moving. Babies, toddlers and adolescents all go through shocking growth spurts and it may seem like she's got a hollow leg, but she she needs fuel.

Other than junk food, I think the only thing to limit would be juice (dilute whatever you give her with water). You should also make sure she's getting plenty of sleep.

Consider yourself lucky that you aren't battling to get her to eat!

I read once that sometimes we eat when we are actually thirsty. This is a line I quote to my kids when I think they probably don't need to be snacking. Try telling your daughter this and giving her a small glass of water or milk or tea.

HB

Your two year old should be eating all day long. There is no reason to limit her food. My daughter will be 3 in May and I would guess she eats 5 to 6 times a day. She is very active and thin for her height. Two year olds only have one reason to eat and that is because they are hungry. What I do is to have a snack tray available for my daughter all afternoon. She can always have fruit, nuts, cereal, and healthy crackers. I either put the food into individual baggies that she can open (zipper baggies) or on a tray much like an ice cube tray. If you are concerned about her weight talk to her pediatrician but healthy snacks should always be available to small children.
Sincerley, Another mother trying to do the best I can do for my kids!

Kids know better than adults or the clock on what they need. If she is hungry then feed her. She may be going through a growth spurt. Make sure that she has a well rounded diets, including healthy fats (helps to satiate hunger).

If she's not overweight, just feed her. She's probably going through a growth spurt.

My 2 year old daughter is constantly saying "Mommy I'm hungry" too. Even if she just ate something. I haven't known what to do about it either. And I have a friend who's daughter says the same thing. It is getting to be super irritating!!!

I have read recently that toddlers would rather snack & graze all day than eat a real meal. If what she is eating is healthy I wouldn't give it another thought, whereas mine would rather eat cookies all day & throws a temper tantrum when I won't give them to her.

Another thing that has been going through my head lately about my own daughter is whether her "hunger" is really boredom, thirst, or a stall tactic to get out of something she doesn't want to do. When she says she's hungry and I know she has eaten recently I ask her first to get her cup & have a drink of water. If I dont' remind her to drink she won't do it. Then I also try to figure out what we are doing. We have a new baby in the house so I am not spending as much time with my 2 year old and I wonder if the "hungry" is just a way to get attention.

I don't know if that helps you at all but if anything just know that it isn't just something you're going through. And don't let all these others scary messages freak you out either... the garbage MIGHT just be because she has seen you throw edible things away & she hasn't put 2 & 2 together yet that garbage isn't clean. They are still TWO YEARS OLD for pete's sake

(& to the one who said "OMG FEED HER" that just makes me upset... I am certain you are feeding her just fine and you aren't starving your child) ;) Hang in there. 2 year olds are tough!

Hi H.,

there is a name for this disorder (and likely support groups, etc). I can't remember what it is but I saw a 60 minutes segment on it. BAsically the function in the brain that signifies hunger is missing and so these kids/people feel very hungry all the time. Ask your doc.

Best wishes,
R.

Hi, H., this is J. again! I know a 6-year old girl at the school that I substitute teach at who is always hungry. She has an actual condition that makes her stomach not feel full. I don't recall the name, but look on the internet (!) and see if you can find the term to flash at your doctor and see what he thinks. My daughter (yes, same as afore mentioned used to eat things all the time....that weren't food! This is called Pica, I believe, and naturally she has outgrown it. Keep up the good work, Ma! J.

I can't remember the name of the disease associated with this problem but I have seen it discussed on Oprah, Dr Phil, and two other tv shows. It is a real disease & should be diagnosed immediately. If your Dr is not familair with get another doctor.

Here is my opinion. Your daughter is in a big growth phase. I would take the lock off the fridge, have only healthy foods in the house, keep a bowl of fruit on the table, and LET HER EAT! The other side of it is this: absolutely turn off the TV - and completely control any time she spends there, maybe 1/2 hour. And get outside and be active with her. Ive read that kids will not over eat unless we adults start to mess up their inborn cycles and tendencies (with locks, sugar, no excersize, TV)

I would LOVE to have your problem - my son won't eat anything! Good luck!

As a mother, my heart goes out to you! I know of a man, Peter Greenlaw, who speaks all over the country about toxicity in America and its effects on weight gain, disease and many problems affecting our children today. His speaking tour is endorsed by world famous author Dr. John Gray (Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus series). I’ve attended his lecture and it's both frightening and informative. Peter speaks about his own son who suffered with suicidal ADD. Peter worked closely with Dr. John Gray on a revolutionary new formulation that really changed his son’s life and now he’s devoted to sharing what he learned with other parents. Peter also speaks about how autism has increased by over 500% in the last 15 years and how new research is revealing that environmental toxins in water, air and food may play a huge part in many of these conditions. I remember one study he refers to where new born infants were found to have over 250 toxic chemicals in their cord blood. He also points out that the epidemic of overeating in this country is caused by a lack of special minerals – called trace minerals - which are completely gone from our foods. As he puts it, our food is nutritionally bankrupt...which may be why your daughter is not satisfied with the food she's eating. I heard Peter is working with several moms who have seen great progress in their children by using this formulation - even moms with autistic children with behavioral problems and learning disabilities are pleased. He’s also been working on a book with a medical doctor about these very issues. If you think it might be worth your time to talk with him about your children, I’d be happy to put you two in touch with each other. I wish you and your family well.

You didn't mention if your daughter is on the thin side or not but....my daughter was ravenous, never enough food to fill her up. She was diagnosed with graves disease hyper-thyroidism. She's fine now after treatment.

T.

My best advice. . .feed her. Set up specific times you eat all the time and keep feeding till she cues she's done. If she shows she's hungry before her next feeding time consider adding a few snack times into her schedule. They eventually level out. My son went through a spell where he would eat 2 cheeseburgers from McDonalds and french fries and a drink. He was only 2 years old. He slowed himself down. My daughter, now 2 years old, recently ate 3 grilled cheese sandwiches along with green peas and peaches. I just look at the example our son set and sit back and relax knowing when she's through with this growth spurt she'll back off on her own. No need to worry. . .although always go by your "gut feeling" and ask the dr. about it if you're seeing she's not slowing down.

Please make an appt soon--she might have diabetes.

First of all, some kids really just eat a lot. Kids in general have a faster metabolism than us adults so sometimes we wonder where they put it all, but really its normal.
I think the main question is... is she over/under weight?
If she is overweight and still saying she's starving, I would take her to the DR. asap. I saw a talk show one time about people that don't produce the hormone that makes you feel full - thus they think they are "starving" all the time. This created many problems in adulthood as you can imagine (obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol.)
If she is underweight - feed the girl! Let her eat - as long as it is healthy snacking between meal. The rule in our house is fruits or veggies between meals.
Picking stuff out of the garbage is really scary - not to mention gross - and a really bad habit to get into as far as social development goes. Could you imagine her being seen doing that at school?! YIKES! I'm glad you got a lock for the garbage, but I would consider giving her consequences as well if the behavior continues.
Good Luck :)

Hi H., it sounds like your little girl is going through a growth spurt, which makes her hungrier. Having had 3 children and now 3 grandchildren, I've had to feed alot of little hungry mouths! I suggest you feed your little girl filling foods when she is hungry, even bowls of cereal will fill her up for while. Try to feed her nutritous foods if you can. Hope this helps, CJ

I have a friend who is always hungry. His metabolism is FAST. It was so bad that in high school, when boys do their biggest bout of growing he had to be put on medication.

If your daughter is active, and not fat, then let her eat. Give her more vegetables and fruit and see about about getting some protein in her, dairy products and beans and such. Of course, I do agree about getting her checked out to make sure there aren't some underlying problems, but at the same time you don't want her to feel like she's bad for feeling hungry. That can lead to other bad things. . . Your daughter is only two, she's not going to understand why you're not feeding her. She'll simply think that she's bad, and that you don't love her, and that's why you're not feeding her.

Also, be sure she is getting enough water and milk. Sometimes if I don't drink enough water I find myself eating more than I need to.