That makes sense as a training mechanism for kids to not just overfill their plates regardless of how hungry they are.
But it is important to realize that food that you force someone to eat after they feel properly full is worse than wasted. Not only have you already spent time and money to prepare it, which you won't get back, but you also just made their stomach ache. And you have taken whatever little agency they have as a kid - now they freaking don't even get to decide how hungry they are.
(This is not directed at you, as you seem to have a reasonable system in place. Your comment just seemed like a good place to plug this rant) :)
They do learn to have agency: think plan ahead and make your own decision. Live with the consequences of your decision.
As I noted every decision is modulated by parental intervention — if a kid made an obvious mistake, possibly intervene early “are you sure you want six bao? Just take a couple — you can always have more” or late “ok, but see the problem? Next time let’s be more careful.”
Yeah, parenting is non-algorithmic, and once (if?) you get good at it it’s too late to do it again.
> Yeah, parenting is non-algorithmic, and once (if?) you get good at it it’s too late to do it again.
Arguably multi-generational households with grandparents on hand are able to take advantage of this. This is perhaps not as useful as it was centuries ago, due to how fast society and the situations a family might face have shifted.
But it is important to realize that food that you force someone to eat after they feel properly full is worse than wasted. Not only have you already spent time and money to prepare it, which you won't get back, but you also just made their stomach ache. And you have taken whatever little agency they have as a kid - now they freaking don't even get to decide how hungry they are.
(This is not directed at you, as you seem to have a reasonable system in place. Your comment just seemed like a good place to plug this rant) :)