Feeding my children too much

[QuirkyKoala]

I am hope this can settle a debate.

I have 2 boys (5 and 2) and we are in disagreement about how much they should be eating in the morning. A family member has been giving 5 year old 2 Weetabix and a slice of toast and 2 year old 2 Weetabix. I feel this is too much as I could barely manage what the 5 year old is eating.

YANBU - that's too much food
YABU - let them eat what they want

I was raised to believe people should be hungry in the morning. If you don't wake up hungry, you ate too much or too late at night. You are better off eating in the morning to have energy for the day. Weetabix is healthy.

Who is this other adult you are trying to micromanage into depriving the kids because you struggle to understand other people are hungry in different ways than you? Not their other parent, I hope?

And yes, my kids eat that much for breakfast at that age.

Sounds fine for the 5 year old, but sounds a lot for the 2 year old. But by 3 two weetabix would be fine if they do lots of walking and running around. I agree with others that a bit of fruit mixed in would up the nutritional value. Weetabix is very good in terms of lots of fiber and low sugar so not the end of the world if they eat a varied diet the rest of the day.

Needs more bacon

Depends on the individual but I found when my son was 2 he could eat 2 weetabix but then he wouldn’t eat his dinner, made him picky and just play with the next meal. So I suppose it depends if it’s affecting their appetite really.

That sounds fine. When my DS was 5 he'd wolf down 3 Weetabix then ask for more!

I'd probably give them a weetabix and then let them help themselves to another one if they're still hungry. My 3yo sometimes eats two weetabix covered in rice krispies (it is very important that all the weetabix is covered up), with milk, and an apple. Sometimes he just eats one. Sometimes he also eats a whole bagel with peanut butter and marmite. My 1yo normally eats two massive bowls of porridge the size of my head. I think he's got quite a lot of growing to do.

Mine ate 2 weetabix at that age, plus fruit and a yoghurt! Mine seem to be very hungry in the morning, then eat a bit less at lunch and dinner.

I’m not sure when yours have dinner but ours eat a snack after nursery around 1830, so by breakfast at 0830 they’re starving!

As long as they aren't being forced to eat it then no its fine.
My DS since starting school has 2 breakfasts - usually cearal or oats at home then toast and jam at breakfast club. He still comes home starving at the end of the day.

As long as they are a healthy weight its fine.

Same! I wouldn't dare approach with one Weetabix in a bowl.

My kids have all eaten massive breakfasts since age 1. As long as it's healthy and they're growing normally, no issue.

If they were eating a bowl of Krave and pop tart then not ideal.

My nearly 5 year old eats 1 weetabix (or other cereal) with milk, a slice of toast with her choice of spread, and some fruit. If she's still hungry, she can have more. It varies how much she eats each day but she usually eats well at breakfast. Why would you want to stop your children from eating if they're hungry?

My LO seems to enjoy a big breakfast and quite a small evening meal. If they’re happily eating it and not being forced then I think it’s fine.

If they eat it, then it's not too much for them. Also, great to have a big brekkie, good way to start the day!

Weetabix is a really good cereal choice. All sounds fine to me

My 3 year old often has 2 weetabix for breakfast followed by a banana or strawberries, I don't think that's an abnormal amount for an active child (he's 75th centile for weight but 95th for height so no weight issues)

My 1 year old will breastfeed and have 1 and a half wheetabix and half a banana in the morning 😂

Depends on the child. Some people like a larger breakfast, some eat barely at all in the mornings.

I'd prefer something other than toast with the Weetabix, but I think that's fine. My 6yo eats a bit less and we struggle to get much at all into the 4yo.

If they're healthy, active kids then I think it's fine and mostly that it's good they're fuelled for the day.

Also - if the family member is their other parent then you need to find a middle ground together. If the family member is not their parent and is feeding your kids breakfast on a regular basis then that's invaluable help and I would just balance things out elsewhere if necessary.

You couldn't eat two Weetabix and a slice of toast? How odd.

It's very carby but good for growing, energetic children. When my son was 2/3 he used to eat a huge breakfast then very little the rest of the day, so I'd get an many nutrients into breakfast as I could. He could definitely manage two Weetabix and something else.

And pancakes!

Why is it relevant that it would be “too much” for you?
If the child wants a piece of toast after I would always give it to them. If weight is a genuine concern then don’t give snacks and sweets.

Often children are going much longer between food overnight than adults are.

Constipation? Weetabix is high in fibre. It won't cause constipation.

I’d go for more variety, but if they’re eating it they’re hungry. We make museli with lots of crushed nuts and seeds for protein and my two year old has that with fruit. Or boiled egg and toast. Always with fruit.

I grew up at a time when ‘snacks’ weren’t common at all. No one ate mid morning. If that takes them through to lunch or with maybe some fruit later, no prob.

Are you being serious?

If they are eating it fine then you should take their cue and let them eat it. There's nothing wrong with that as a breakfast.

Do you have issues with food? You need to not pass this onto your DC.

Need more info really, are they overweight? Are they having sugar on it? What’s on the toast? Really some protein would be better than tonnes of wheat/carb. Such as yoghurt and fruit alongside the weetabix, or egg with the toast