8-year-old DD Binge Eating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a NP, I wanted to ask about your kids not having to ask for food in the house. My kids are 7 and 9 and still have to ask. We have healthy food for the most part, but my son will easily knock back 2-3 bars and then not be hungry for meals. He would constantly snack if we let him because he tends to eat when he's bored. Is it really a thing to let them eat whatever they want whenever they want without asking? Why is doing otherwise setting them up for an eating disorder? It's not that we always say no unless it's within a 3 meal a day structure, but if he asks for a snack 30 minutes after a hearty breakfast I'm likely to say no. Or I'll offer vegetables that he likes and he rejects them.

I'm a NP, too, and I totally agree with you, although I think it's a little different for a 9 year old to ask than a 15 year old. My kids also ask, but they are not teens yet. I think when they're teens, it might be a different story. The point here, I think, is that if you're too restrictive and the kid learns that you are the gatekeeper of food, then she won't learn to be her own gatekeeper and won't learn healthy eating patterns. With younger kids, I absolutely think that it makes sense to ask because you're right -- they will just eat whatever whenever with no regard for mealtimes.

If I were having trouble with a teen eating tons of snacks and then not eating dinner, I'd probably try making a rule about not snacking within an hour of dinner or something, and I would also aim to have healthy foods around -- maybe even a drawer in the fridge and a cabinet labeled specifically for snacktime, packed with things like cheese and yogurt and whole grains, etc. -- rather than ice cream or candy. But I think what you're doing is totally right for your kids' ages.

As for the OP's issue, I think it's hard to say if this is true "binge eating." It sounds a bit more like she's sneaking around with stuff and feels she should't be doing these things. I think this is why so many people suspected the OP was being strict with junk food -- because the DD is sneaking around like she'll get in trouble. If she won't, then why is she sneaking around? OP, there are some unanswered questions, and I think it might be best to investigate this with your ped and then with a therapist -- perhaps first by yourself and then with your DD.

Thanks for your response!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a NP, I wanted to ask about your kids not having to ask for food in the house. My kids are 7 and 9 and still have to ask. We have healthy food for the most part, but my son will easily knock back 2-3 bars and then not be hungry for meals. He would constantly snack if we let him because he tends to eat when he's bored. Is it really a thing to let them eat whatever they want whenever they want without asking? Why is doing otherwise setting them up for an eating disorder? It's not that we always say no unless it's within a 3 meal a day structure, but if he asks for a snack 30 minutes after a hearty breakfast I'm likely to say no. Or I'll offer vegetables that he likes and he rejects them.

My 7 year old asks for food. If she had free reign of the kitchen, she'd be eating granola bars and crackers all day long and be way too stuffed to eat a balanced meal. Are there people who really let their little kids eat whatever they want whenever they want it?

[Anonymous]

Hi @ OP, I think people are going to have different opinions on how they see this situation but at the end of the day as mums we have intuitions and instincts about what is going on with our children. I would suggest you keep doing what you are doing by providing healthy food and snacks around the house and limit how much sweets you buy and keep an eye on her without making a fuss. If after a month her behavior remains the same then it might be useful to speak to a professional. It doesn't necessarily mean your DD has a binge eating problem but maybe more of a lack of self control and the therapist might be able to advice you on how best to support her. You sound like a caring Mum who wants her daughter to have a healthy eating habit as we all do, so all the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would lay down the law. I don't allow any eating of anything without asking. They ask to eat an apple. They ask for a piece of gum.

Recipe for obesity.

Agreed. This is nuts.

It doesn't mean I say no. But they must ask.

What in the world do you think your children are learning with this set up? At what magical age will they be able to suddenly decide for themselves what to eat and when? This is a recipe for disaster.

They are learning to ask nicely when you want something. Can I have a glass of milk please. Sure here you go, thank you. They can decide what they want when they are out of the house. Until then you want an apple you ask nicely. Should they just say apple now bitch .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would lay down the law. I don't allow any eating of anything without asking. They ask to eat an apple. They ask for a piece of gum.

Recipe for obesity.

Agreed. This is nuts.

It doesn't mean I say no. But they must ask.

What in the world do you think your children are learning with this set up? At what magical age will they be able to suddenly decide for themselves what to eat and when? This is a recipe for disaster.

They are learning to ask nicely when you want something. Can I have a glass of milk please. Sure here you go, thank you. They can decide what they want when they are out of the house. Until then you want an apple you ask nicely. Should they just say apple now bitch .

I think the point is that they, at a certain age, should be able to grab what they want without asking, but the bolded made me laugh so damn hard hahaha!

[Anonymous]

10 -12 cookies is not binge eating

12 wrappers. Not binge eating.

You think it's binge eating. She can not eat 12 cookies otherwise. Ss she sneaks

Op, the fact that you say the number of cookies, number of wrappers. Sounds judgy

Sure she shouldn't have 4 snacks at the pool but I think you added that as an afterthought.