After the first year of life, children’s growth slows down compared with infancy. Because of that, it’s completely normal for portion sizes—and appetite—to feel less predictable than before. In general, it works best when adults decide what foods are offered and when, and the child decides whether to eat and how much. One practical way to support this is to start with smaller portions and allow seconds if your child is still hungry. This helps children stay connected to their own hunger and fullness cues.
Some days a child may eat very little and feel hungry again soon afterward. Other days they may eat more and feel truly full. This day-to-day variation is normal—and part of how children learn to recognise and respond to hunger and satiety.
As long as your child is growing and developing appropriately, there is usually no need to worry about how much they eat at any single meal.
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