Children’s eating patterns are ruled by their feeling of hunger or fullness. But they may not really know how they feel.

To help your children recognize when they are indeed hungry or full, try the following tips:

  • Make a habit to ask your children if they feel hungry or full before offering meals and snacks.
  • Do not force your children to eat if they don’t want to—they may not be hungry.
  • If you have a feeding routine, children are going to adapt to that routine. Their tummies should be “hungry” at the right time.
  • While children are eating, ask “is your tummy full?” If the answer is “yes” encourage them to stop eating.
  • Have regular meals and offer only small healthy snacks in between. Rich snacks fill your children up and they won’t be hungry for the next meal.
  • Do not let children graze for food and drinks between meals and snack times.

Remember: Parents are responsible for WHAT they offer their child to eat (hopefully, healthy meals), and children are responsible for HOW MUCH they eat. To help children understand their feelings of hunger, use the Hungry Meter below. During family meals and snacks, have children point to the picture that matches their feeling of hunger or fullness.

Weigel, D. 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Am I Really Hungry?, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
Why we volunteer: Stories from 4-H leaders in Clark County
The success of Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program in Clark County is driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers. Hear the experiences of several volunteers who are generously sharing their time, knowledge and energy to mentor young people, fostering skills, ...
Tesar, R. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Eat Smart Be Active - Active Preschoolers: Indoor Play
This publication for parents provides ideas for indoor play for preschoolers.
Weigel, D. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Eat Smart Be Active - Active Preschoolers: Outdoor Play
This publication for parents provides ideas for outdoor play for preschoolers.
Weigel, D. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Using a translational process to apply Latino youth development research findings in practice.
Developed an intentional and collaborative translational process for converting evidence-based knowledge from Latino youth development literature into Extension practice.
Moncloa, F., Horrillo, S. J., Diaz-Carrasco, C., Espinoza, D., Hill, R., & Soule, K. 2018, Journal of Extension 56(6) Article 6IAW3.
Cocinando Con Niños Pequeños (Cooking with Young Children) Kim, Y. 2017, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-01