Why can’t my 4 year old chew with her mouth closed!?

Question

I’m not even kidding (I counted...) I said “chew with your mouth closed” 45 TIMES AT BREAKFAST THIS AM. Not to mention it takes her 30 minutes to nibble about 1/4 of her pancake. I’m not exaggerating, this is all accurate. 30 minutes for 1/4 of her pancake! And repeating myself 45 TIMES! Is this normal!???!!!!?? I’m going to lose my mind. She’s 4! She should be able to listen to something so basic.

Answer

It’s a little obsessive on your part to say it 45 times plus to actually count it . And timing her geez maybe she can’t breathe they her nose so it’s hard to chew with her mouth close maybe she wasn’t hungry so she ate slow maybe she just wanted to piss you off idk but she’s 4 it’s not that serious now if she’s 10 and still chewing with her mouth open then she would be annoying !

Answer

Your intense. Your going to drive yourself crazy doing that kind of thing. Pick your battles.. keep yourself sane.

Answer

I have a cousin, who as a child has the same issue. She had issues with keeping her mouth shut while chewing. She also took forever to eat. My aunt just thought it was normal for her. When she started school, it was brought to her attention that it wasnt normal. My cousin did years of physical therapy as a child because it had something to do with her jaw and teeth. So if you believe its something other than shes just doing it to do it, I'd suggest going to the dentist, chiropractor and maybe even a PT evaluation

Answer

Maybe ask her if she understands what you mean when you say chew with your mouth closed. Let her know that her lips can touch while her teeth chew. Have her practice without food. 
As for the amount of time, maybe set a timer and explain that when she goes to school she will only have a certain amount of time to eat, so she needs to start practicing now. Give leniency at first then slowly take off minutes until she’s at about 20 minutes for the whole meal. I work at a school and that’s how long our kids have to eat their lunch.

Answer

Does she maybe have a stuffed up nose or normally breathe through her mouth? It could be that she is breathing and trying to chew at the same time.

Answer

I follow feeding littles on Instagram and she suggests using a visual timer for kids who have trouble taking a long time eating. It might help a little bit!

Answer

She can't chew with her mouth closed because she's 4. Only 4! 4 year olds are not miniature 7/8year olds and you cannot expect the same development. 4 year olds DO NOT get this concept. Christ, that's over one reminder per minute. How about you teach and gently guide her, instead of nagging?

Answer

Feeding Littles! Look it up. 
Also, being that obsessive about closing her mouth - she’s Probly afraid to eat if it takes 45 mins. 
She’s 4, they do that. I don’t teach keeping your mouth closed until 5. Before then the goal is for them to just eat. Even at 5, I don’t expect perfection - it takes until they are 7-8 to really understand that concept. But you always look into PT.

Answer

Maybe she was doing it to wind you up as you said it 45 times lol

Answer

Pick and choose your battles she’s 4.. she’s doesn’t think to chew with her mouth close. It’s normal she’ll get the hang of it!

Why can’t my 4 year old chew with her mouth closed!?

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