I have no idea what is the right quantity of food for my children to eat. They are 33 months and often want to eat nothing but I coax them to eat - I would typically give them a tablespoon of rice and a tablespoon of 2 or 3 different veg with maybe a veggie sausage or something. When I went to a restaurant the other day a childs portion of pizza was a 10" one - They shared it and only managed to eat half. Am I underfeeding them? They are tall for their age and are not underweight or overweight.

It sounds as thought you are doing just fine.

I think children do need a variety of foods at meal times but in small quantites, as you are doing. It is difficult to predict how hungry kids are, but sometimes they do need a little encouragement. I believe it is always better to put a little too much on the plate, than too little, but remember that it is okay for them to leave some dinner if they are full, so long as they are eating something, and they are healthy, then everything should be fine.

I try to encourage them to eat the things I think are most important first so if they do leave something it is not a key items.

average food intake for a child of 33montsh ismuch more than what you supply accoridng to teh amounts listed on your first post.
3 yearolds have a slightly higher caloric need because they are more physically active.

Caloric does not mean fatty though.
if you look at what atypical childs portion TV dinner has in it, that si portioncontrol amounts. and providing thatthey need at leastthree melas a day consider what you are giving them as compared to normal portion size.

keepa food diary for a weekw ith exact amounts and when you go to teh Pediatrician have the nutritionsit and dietician have look.
remember the proper amount of food is needed foir optimal brain growth, body growth and reistance to illnesses.

julie

In the UK we do not get to see a paediatrician unless there is something wrong with the child. We would not be allowed to see a dietitian or nutritionist unless the child was extremely overweight or underweight which mine are not.

I would be interested in knowing what a typical main meal size other people would feed to their 3 year olds. Thank you.

It's okay if they do not eat that much at this age, just make sure they are still drinking milk.
My daughter only started eating solids when she was three years old, and she grew up to be very healthy despite of that. Just don't forget about the basics, milk and vitamins.

Eventually in their own time, they will get bored with milk and start eating solids like kids their age do.

Originally Posted by Mommy In Pink*

It's okay if they do not eat that much at this age, just make sure they are still drinking milk. My daughter only started eating solids when she was three years old, and she grew up to be very healthy despite of that. Just don't forget about the basics, milk and vitamins. Eventually in their own time, they will get bored with milk and start eating solids like kids their age do.

My one son loves milk and drinks lots of it but eats less. The other one will not drink milk and prefers juice and water over it. He is far less fussy and does tend to eat more.

My 1 year old son, on the other hand, really loves solid food already. Although we do tend to be very careful with what we feed him because I fear sometimes that he may not yet be ready to explore adult types of meals.

Like when we eat during dinner, he prefers our food over his soft baby food. Sometimes we give in and feed him with our food but we don't overdo it.

Sounds like a sensible thing to do - if he is enjoying it then it is good to expose him to new tastes and textures but in moderation in case he body is not ready.

My parents in law seem to think it's okay to feed my son the adult food he craves for. They seem to think that he is just "far more advanced" than the rest of the kids (which is understandable since most grandparents seem to think that their grandchildren are so much better than every one else's grandchildren).
It becomes funny sometimes but I know that they are just proud grandparents and have trouble containing it so I don't take it against them.