Guest guest Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 We've been struggling for some time (years?) to train our almost 9 year old to chew with his mouth closed so we don't hear the smacking and/or don't see the food. However, he will not close his mouth! I thought that there was a physical problem that was causing him to do this until I took him to the dentist, and the dentist said all was well with his mouth. I began to believe that he couldn't chew with his mouth closed until I tried the reward system where if he chewed with his mouth closed for a whole week, he would get a toy. He got a toy each time, but reverted to his old ways soon thereafter. I don't want to isolate him from the rest of the family while we eat because he will rejoice and chew the way he wants too - without good manners! I've tried saying nothing, but that didn't work! I've also tried limiting the amount of food he puts on his utensil and got nowhere! Are their any other techniques that you've tried that might work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Make it clear to him that its a choice. Whenever he chews loudly push his plate to the center of the table and he can still be present at the table wit everyone. each time he does it use a timer and then let him try again. Just make it clear to him that its a choice he is making. Unita Walburn Mulberry Island Station Homestead Berefoot Books Stall Holder visit my site @ www.mybarefootbooks.com/UnitaWalburn ________________________________ " admartin5 " <admartin5 Monday, July 27, 2009 12:08:35 AM Problems with Mouth-Wide Eating We've been struggling for some time (years?) to train our almost 9 year old to chew with his mouth closed so we don't hear the smacking and/or don't see the food. However, he will not close his mouth! I thought that there was a physical problem that was causing him to do this until I took him to the dentist, and the dentist said all was well with his mouth. I began to believe that he couldn't chew with his mouth closed until I tried the reward system where if he chewed with his mouth closed for a whole week, he would get a toy. He got a toy each time, but reverted to his old ways soon thereafter. I don't want to isolate him from the rest of the family while we eat because he will rejoice and chew the way he wants too - without good manners! I've tried saying nothing, but that didn't work! I've also tried limiting the amount of food he puts on his utensil and got nowhere! Are their any other techniques that you've tried that might work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 This sounds like the 9 year old version of a toddler food issue! He's found a great way to exert some control in his life and drive you absolutely nuts in the process! I think Unita's solution is perfect- a 'time out' from food, but he has to remain at the table. Depending on how batty I was feelingabout this issue, I would probably institute some sort of 3 strikes and you're out rule so he can't prolong dinner indefinitely. Good luck! j. ________________________________ unita walburn <uwalburn Monday, July 27, 2009 6:40:55 AM Re: Problems with Mouth-Wide Eating Make it clear to him that its a choice. Whenever he chews loudly push his plate to the center of the table and he can still be present at the table wit everyone. each time he does it use a timer and then let him try again. Just make it clear to him that its a choice he is making. Unita Walburn Mulberry Island Station Homestead Berefoot Books Stall Holder visit my site @ www.mybarefootbooks .com/UnitaWalbur n ____________ _________ _________ __ " admartin5@embarqmai l.com " <admartin5@embarqmai l.com> @gro ups.com Monday, July 27, 2009 12:08:35 AM Problems with Mouth-Wide Eating We've been struggling for some time (years?) to train our almost 9 year old to chew with his mouth closed so we don't hear the smacking and/or don't see the food. However, he will not close his mouth! I thought that there was a physical problem that was causing him to do this until I took him to the dentist, and the dentist said all was well with his mouth. I began to believe that he couldn't chew with his mouth closed until I tried the reward system where if he chewed with his mouth closed for a whole week, he would get a toy. He got a toy each time, but reverted to his old ways soon thereafter. I don't want to isolate him from the rest of the family while we eat because he will rejoice and chew the way he wants too - without good manners! I've tried saying nothing, but that didn't work! I've also tried limiting the amount of food he puts on his utensil and got nowhere! Are their any other techniques that you've tried that might work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 My sister used to do this when we were kids. My husband still does it today, at 37. Some people just do it, no matter how much you tell them not to. My suggestion? Ignore it. Stop getting on his case about it and don't look at him doing it. Just keep setting a good example of how to eat and see if he picks it up. He still may not, as in my experience I have seen people never learn it. Some people are just more comfortable chewing with their mouths open, in spite of how it irks the rest of us. :-) Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Hi, Does he have any respiratory problems – asthma, allergies, sinus problems? He could be doing it to breathe. I think we all have to do that when we have colds or breathing problems. If that’s not it, I’d probably remind him, but then remind myself not to get too crazy over it. He’ll grow out of it – likely about the time the kids at school or in other social settings are doing it differently, then he likely will, too. I don’t think he’ll go to college doing this. ☺ What we’re taught as manners may have nothing to do with kids’ development or interest in social “norms.†(In fact the opposite sometimes, as some younger kids revel in the response they get from picking their nose in public, you know?) ☺ And kids are constantly testing the waters of independence – like when they have to do what you say and when they can do something else without danger (he can chew this way and still be safe, but he can’t run into the street and still be safe – he’s learning the different levels of independence and authority). Controlling the way he chews could be a much better plan than controlling the way he eats – leading to an eating disorder, over- or under-eating, hoarding food, etc. And I guess one thing you could be grateful for in all this is that even if he’s chewing in a way that bugs you, at least he’s eating a lot of food! Some parents have to cajole their kids to eat enough food or enough healthy foods and worry about the nutrition and health of their kids – look how lucky you are! ☺ Health concerns are way worse than chewing concerns. ☺ And if all that doesn’t help, you could serve chamomile tea with meals to help you feel calm – or use homeopathic chamomile tabs – or Rescue Remedy – or use meals as meditation time – or all of the above. Hahah. ☺ You know, whatever you have to do to take care of your nerves. ☺ Good luck! Lorraine On Behalf Of admartin5 Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:09 PM Problems with Mouth-Wide Eating We've been struggling for some time (years?) to train our almost 9 year old to chew with his mouth closed so we don't hear the smacking and/or don't see the food. However, he will not close his mouth! I thought that there was a physical problem that was causing him to do this until I took him to the dentist, and the dentist said all was well with his mouth. I began to believe that he couldn't chew with his mouth closed until I tried the reward system where if he chewed with his mouth closed for a whole week, he would get a toy. He got a toy each time, but reverted to his old ways soon thereafter. I don't want to isolate him from the rest of the family while we eat because he will rejoice and chew the way he wants too - without good manners! I've tried saying nothing, but that didn't work! I've also tried limiting the amount of food he puts on his utensil and got nowhere! Are their any other techniques that you've tried that might work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Does the child have sinus issues? They might not be able to breathe properly when the airway via their mouth is blocked. Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.