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2 year old obsessed with food

7 replies

Flipflop356 · 24/03/2023 16:52

My 2.5 year old son has ALWAYS been obsessed with food, right from the beginning. He eats very well healthy, balanced meals and a few snacks in between. His nursery have told us that he is obsessed with food there, will try and take loads of fruit at snack time and eats uncontrollably, they say they’ve never seen anything like it. He always asks for food at home, eats all his meals and will ask for more/pudding, he never seems full. We feed him enough of everything and try to keep it balanced and healthy. Nursery recommended taking him to a paediatrician, which we did. The paediatrician said there is nothing medically wrong with him, No syndrome or diabetes etc. He then suggested a behavioural psychologist. We are unsure about this as he is only 2, and it might all get rather expensive when it might be just a ‘phase’. Has anyone had a similar experience? If so, what was the cause and how was it dealt with? Thanks!!

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Pinkbananas01 · 24/03/2023 17:05

How long has he been at nursery?
Does he drink enough water? Lots of young children mistake feeling thirsty for hunger, sometimes offering a drink of water 1st helps. Also lots of wee ones will ask for food if they are bored, a change of activity as a distraction generally helps avoid the snack obsession.
If nursery are just offering fruit at snack time it may be that he needs some carbs as well. Have had a few children in past who have wanted to eat everything in sight at snack time & making sure they had the 'biggest' amount, behaving as if they will never see food again, so we made a big thing of sharing & letting all have a chance to eat. Usually once they understand the routine & that they won't starve it settles down.
Ultimately some children are just more hungry, you've had him checked & Drs are happy so I wouldn't be worried.

Pinkbananas01 · 24/03/2023 17:07

Behavioural psychologist seems a bit OTT for a 2 yr old imo

Flipflop356 · 24/03/2023 17:57

Thanks for your message @Pinkbananas01. He’s been at nursery since he turned two at end of September. He is obsessed and I’m worried about how to manage it as he gets older. I think he’s having enough water although could probably encourage more. Nursery seem very worried about it, they showed me a video of him shovelling food into his mouth! I think you’re right with the boredom element. If we go to a playgroup that has food available, he will try to get everything on offer. I’m thinking he might be tall, just concerns me that nursery say they have never seen anything like it before!

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Smogtopia · 24/03/2023 18:42

It may be a sensory thing - he's enjoying the feeling of a very full mouth / full tummy. I'm pretty clueless but maybe explore more sensory play - sand pits / soggy clay etc

MsChatterbox · 24/03/2023 19:10

Did the doctor mention anything about Prada Willi Syndrome being a possibility? Have you heard of this before?

YukoandHiro · 24/03/2023 19:15

You should definitely speak to a doctor, even if it only ends up being to reassure you

Flipflop356 · 24/03/2023 21:45

Yeh, we saw a paediatrician and he said it is not Prader Willi syndrome, this comes with a whole load of complex needs including behavioural and learning disabilities. The sensory thing is a possibility, I did think this too!

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