Picture this, it’s been a long day of going to and from different events, and now you are relaxed at home and your kids are engrained in a fun activity. They have been doing this activity for hours, and seem to be having a blast! You start to realize, they have got to be hungry. You go outside and ask “hey, who’s hungry?!” and they all scream “not me!”. But you know, it’s been four hours since they last ate and they’ve been running around like maniacs. It’s times like this when I like to simply ignore their pleas of “not being hungry”, and whip something up in the kitchen (and by this I mean something simple, but nourishing). Often I’ll grab some fruit and put it out on a plate with some cheese and crackers, or I’ll even make them a full meal of grilled cheese and some peas (cooked from frozen). I bring the food out to where they are, place it on the table, and watch as they stop, notice the food, and gather around to devour it (that is, after I’ve intervened and insisted they wash their hands. Moms are the best).
Tip: Snacks, or meals, when they are actually hungry, are a great opportunity to throw in some fruits and veggies, which they are less likely to eat when only “somewhat hungry”. As long as it’s produce they enjoy, they are more likely to eat it! I serve my kid’s veggies with a side of ranch, it always helps.
The truth is, I know what it’s like to get so involved in something that I completely miss hunger cues. Whether it’s my work, a good TV show, a hobby, if I’m thinking about something else, and enjoying it, I have to remind myself to stop and listen to my body. I’ve gotten better at this with practice, and so will you. As parents, we can help our kids do the same. Offering them food, even when they claim not to be hungry, is perfectly fine if it’s been several hours since they last ate. Offering or forcing food upon them when they probably aren’t hungry. such as relatively soon after a meal, is a different scenario. The next time they are playing hard, having fun, and not noticing their hunger, you can do the same thing (bring out the food!) and give them a gentle reminder that it’s important to stop and listen to body cues, even when you are having the “MOST FUN EVER”! They will role their eyes, but eventually, they will thank you.
