>
>> We have a special bench where she is allowed to put snacks etc to help
>> herself to all day, such as fruit, sultantas, rice cakes and so on.
>
> Not wanting to offend, personally I would not encourage the habit of
> all-day grazing. It's an eating pattern which could lead to obesity in
> later life.

No offense taken - there are so many various schools of thought and methods
around. I've read many books, and chatted with many people, and I don't
know that there is any one right way to do things, but the advice I am
following is that toddlers burn off energy very quickly and need lots of
healthy snacks at easy access for them to get whenever they want.
Apparantley if their blood sugars get too low that can be a cause of bad
behaviour.


>
>> As I said to another reply, we were quite surprised to see her with the
>> porridge, but I wasn't too fussed as there was nothing but water in it,
>> although I certainly wouldn't want her to make a habit of it.
>
> "nothing but water in it" would make no difference to the rapid growth
> of bacteria in warm conditions.
>

Hmm well thats another matter - thanks for your thoughts.