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One problem could be if one or more of the children is over weight. Don't forget genes. They play an important role in eating behavior. I've lived with over weight children for years and attest to the fact that a child can be big eater even as a baby and no amount of structure can change that. What can be done is regulating portions and offering snacks that are low in calories. I let my very "hungry" 8 yr old have seconds of green beans but not mashed potatoes. She likes about anything which is wonderful. She'll eat cut up cucumbers just as well as a poptart. She will pitch a fit if there's nothing available to snack on. Unlike her 6yr sister who is slim and can go hours longer between meals, the 8yr has been a big eater all her life and has weight issues even with all the supervision we give her and has been known to sneak food before we get up on Sat. morning. My family, growing up, was heavy except for me and the only time any of them lost weight was after they got grown and learned about nutrition. So, if give tight supervision, especially over the two younger ones who you should be watching over at all times,, you'll have better luck. You can't expect them to govern themselves. You have to be the parent and teach them about food. Are you a good example? Maybe? It's in your hands.
That is really unfair to say. They work opposite shifts meaning one is always home. Mom probably naps when littles nap or have quiet time. There is nothing wrong with that. That is not neglect.
Just because someone is home doesn't mean the children are being watched. The OP even said the mom was sleeping while the baby was awake. He "stole" crackers and took them back to his room to eat while the mom was sleeping. This baby is only 1.5 years old, he still needs to be constantly supervised while awake. If something were to happen to the baby, if he were to choke on food, get outside and wander off, or any number of things an unsupervised baby can do, the parents would be charged with child neglect. Even the 3 and 5 year old should be under adult supervision while they are at home. If something were to happen to any of those kids while mom was sleeping, the parents would be in a lot of trouble.
Eating food that is off-limits (like...shouldn't be in the home anyway) should never be equated to stealing.
When they see you eat it, do you call it stealing too?
What a way to develop a future criminal! If I get a criminal label just for eating food, in my own home, what on earth comes next?
Semantics aside...if your kids are fiends for sugar, (I noticed nobody is stealing spinach), then get that crap out of the house. Time for a family-wide detox. If there have been any antibiotics used, that might explain some sugar cravers too.
Create a "snack shelf" in the refrigerator and explain to the children that they have total control over eating on that shelf, but everything else is off-limits. The snack shelf should be COMPLETELY in their control - what they want, when they want, how much they want. Go for these ideas: Chips, Granola bars, cereal bars, crackers, pretzels, cereal, etc. If you have sugar cravers, let them eat as much sugar as they want!
Create a "snack shelf" in the refrigerator and explain to the children that they have total control over eating on that shelf, but everything else is off-limits. The snack shelf should be COMPLETELY in their control - what they want, when they want, how much they want. Go for these ideas: Chips, Granola bars, cereal bars, crackers, pretzels, cereal, etc. If you have sugar cravers, let them eat as much sugar as they want!
I don't agree with strict food restriction. But why would you give them open access to nothing but crap food? Why would you not give them open access to decent, healthy food?
I don't agree with strict food restriction. But why would you give them open access to nothing but crap food? Why would you not give them open access to decent, healthy food?
Doesn't matter if it's granola bars or spinach, they are not being watched and being given to a baby who is not being supervised while he eats. I truly sympathize with OP and his girlfriend as I think they are really trying to improve a difficult situation but there are dangerous things going on too.
Doesn't matter if it's granola bars or spinach, they are not being watched and being given to a baby who is not being supervised while he eats. I truly sympathize with OP and his girlfriend as I think they are really trying to improve a difficult situation but there are dangerous things going on too.
Yes, babies should always be supervised when they're awake. While they're eating it is very dangerous if they are not supervised. I agree with you on this one.
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Go for these ideas: Chips, Granola bars, cereal bars, crackers, pretzels, cereal, etc. If you have sugar cravers, let them eat as much sugar as they want!
