How long (minutes wise) do you give them to eat dinner?

[Guest]

I have a 4.5 yr old, almost 6 yr old and a 7 yr old. Those of you w/kids around this age how long (minutes wise) do you give them to eat dinner?

I usually don't set the timer unless I've given them more than two warnings about their rowdiness, excessive talkativeness, etc. Then it's about 10 mins and they're done plates are up regardless. They don't get noticeably distressed w/the timer, but I feel ridiculous to set it.

I don't do food bribes, and they go to bed right after their dinners anyways.

[Cheryl]

Our food therapist said meals should take no longer than 20 minutes.

[Kerry]

My 6 year old boy is ridiculously slow at eating. Can be anywhere between 20 and 45 mins. My 2 year old girl eats super quick and is usually the first to finish. My 2 year old boy is the same as my older boy…very slow. If any of mine mess around or don’t eat they get no pudding (just a supper 1.5hrs later)

[Rebecca]

I give mine an hour, we do have a sand timer but don't use it much now, if they don't finish it or they don't want it (they need to eat at last half depending on the meal) then nothing else no arguments or stress but the time is up and carry on..

[Batman]

Other Topics:

• "I'm hungry” the last thing I Wanna hear
• I’m so worried about my son who’s 2.5.. He will not accept trying new foods
• Why does my 11.5 month old only want fruit?
• My son is underweight.. What can I do?