Hiding food or secret eating is a sign that something might be going on with your child. Are they still hungry after meals? Are they overeating? Let’s look at some reasons why a child sneaks food and how you can help. 

Is your family going through cereal faster than usual?

Does your child disappear into the kitchen for long periods?

Are you finding empty food wrappers tucked away under the sofa, mattress, pillow, or in your child’s room?

Your child might be sneaking food.

The child who is eating in secret raises red flags and may have an impact on parents and the family functioning.

There are several reasons why a child might sneak or eat in secret, and some of these have nothing to do with hunger.

In this article, I go over some physical and emotional reasons children may be sneaking food from the kitchen and eating in secret, and give you some tips for a gentler approach to curbing these food behaviors.

Why Would a Child Sneak Food?

Sneaking food is not an act of defiance. It’s a sign that something is going on with your child, whether it be negative emotions for which food is providing solace, or easing boredom. But it’s important to get to the root.

Some children live with hunger because of neglect and food insecurity, and sneaking or hiding food may be a way to cope, or a matter of survival. Let’s dive into a few reasons for sneak eating that’s not related to physical hunger.

Restricting and Controlling Food

One of the possible reasons children sneak food and eat in secret has to do with food parenting.

We all want our kids to eat healthy, but trying to control what your child eats with pressure or by restricting snacks or “unhealthy” foods affects their eating behaviors… and not in the way you might want.

When parents restrict food, children tend to seek that food and eat when they’re not hungry.

Restricting food might be your first instinct when you discover your child is taking food without permission and hiding it. That rarely works and may do more harm than good.

Instead of controlling your child’s food intake, encourage your child’s autonomy with food. I know, that seems counterintuitive.

When kids are allowed to take part in the decision-making around food (rather than be controlled or take control), they are less likely to eat when they’re not hungry.

Adult Attitudes About Weight and Larger Bodies

The fear of weight gain in our culture influences a lot of what we believe about food and eating.

Unfortunately, how parents perceive their child’s size and eating habits may affect their child’s body image and eating behaviors.

One study found that a parent’s over-investment in their child’s size affected everyone in the home.

Commenting about a child’s weight, how much they eat, or about their body size negatively affects body image.

Feelings of shame, particularly when it’s related to a negative body image, may play a role in developing binge eating disorder (BED).

Another factor that increases the risk of a child becoming a binge eater is whether a parent has an active eating disorder. Children of parents with BED are more likely to binge eat compared to children of larger-bodied parents who do not have an eating disorder.

Furthermore, children of parents who are larger overeat compared to children of average size parents.

Parents are one of the biggest environmental influences in raising a healthy child.

Screen Time

There are many reasons to limit screen time. More screen time usually means less physical activity (especially outdoors with friends!) and is associated with an increased risk of developing health conditions.

According to a recent study, kids who spend more time in front of screens are more likely to sneak food, hide food, and hoard it. When you eat in front of the TV, kids may ignore their hunger signals and feelings of fullness.

And, television and social media may play a role in how a child feels about their body.

How to Help a Child Who is Sneaking Food

You might be distressed and confused when you discover a lot of food in unusual places. Or, maybe you haven’t found evidence, but your child is mysteriously experiencing weight gain. First, take a deep breath. While this is disturbing, it’s not insurmountable.

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about why children sneak food. This is normal because you want to promote healthy eating, avoid creating more problems, and correct any potential dysfunctional eating behaviors.

But when it comes to emotional issues and eating behaviors, it’s best not to make a child feel like he’s doing something wrong.

In my experience as a children’s nutrition expert, a strong reaction to how and what a child eats can negatively affect their healthy relationship with food for years to come.

I have a few ideas to help navigate the situation if your child is a food sneaker.

Regular Meals and Snacks

First, rule out physiologic reasons for hunger. Are meals and snacks happening every three to four hours? Are they nutritious and filling? If not, rectify this. Your child may be more hungry because they’re not getting their basic needs met – enough food and filling types of food throughout the day.

Positive Food Parenting

Next, check in with yourself and make sure you’re not being too restrictive or controlling with sweet foods or treat food. When you become restrictive (and this can happen when we see our kids being overly interested in food, or overeating), a vicious cycle happens.

You take food away, and your child wants it more. This desire can turn into food-seeking behaviors, like sneaking, hiding, or hoarding food.

The opposite can be happening, also. You don’t have enough structure and boundaries in the home food environment and your child (who may be more food responsive) has a hard time controlling themselves in the presence of food access. 

Negative Experiences

Check in with your child. Did something happen that has them emotionally upset? Were they bullied? Teased? Or is your child struggling with low self-esteem or mental health issues? Negative events can prompt some children to eat in secret and sneak food.

Don’t shame your child

Embarrassing and shaming a child doesn’t help change behaviors.

It’s more likely to lead to a negative body image and an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, recognize that something deeper may be going on.

Be patient

It takes time to get to the root of sneaking food and secret eating. Help your child develop a positive relationship with food.

Check in with your food beliefs

Diet culture is everywhere. Be aware of how you might impose your thoughts about body shape and body size on your child.

Watching your child struggle with secret eating and hiding food, especially when you may have had an eating disorder in the past, or negative food beliefs or body biases you’re working through, can be challenging.

Resources

• A pediatric dietitian or mental health professionals with experience in disordered eating can help guide your child and give you a few more tools for your parenting toolbox to help you raise a child with a healthier relationship with food. 
• If your child shows signs of an eating disorder, consult with your pediatrician about seeking out the expertise of an eating disorder specialist. 
• Learn more about common eating disorders that affect children and how to reach out for help in our The Eating Disorder Guide.

• Related Reading: 10 Reasons Your Child Eats Too Much
• Check out my new book: Kids Thrive at Every Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness!