Curtis Stone tells parents to let their kids go hungry

Celebrity chef and Coles ambassador Curtis Stone has come out with a controversial opinion on children’s meal times.

Many of us have experienced kids who are fussy eaters and have lived through excruciating meal times where no matter how hard you try you can’t get them to even take a bite.

Curtis, who has two young sons, says he thinks more parents should let their kids go hungry if their not going to eat what’s on the plate in front of them.

“I think the problem is too many parents worry about their kids being hungry that they let their children dictate what they eat,” he told the Herald Sun.

He said kids shouldn’t be given snacks in between meals to ensure they are hungry enough when their main meal is served, and if they refuse to eat it parents should wrap it up and serve it to them again for the next meal.

“Say you make a fish pie and the kids won’t eat it; I’d wrap it up, put it away and offer it again later when they’re hungry,” said Curtis.

“What’s wrong with fish pie for breakfast? I’d love a fish pie for breakfast. I think the problem is too many parents worry about their kids being hungry that they let their children dictate what they eat.

“I don’t see the big deal in letting kids go hungry a few times. They’ll eat when they’re hungry.”

His opinion has split many parents down the middle, with some condemning his harsh words and others saying they think it’s a great idea.

“Absolutely spot on, Curtis!” wrote one commenter.

While others questioned his expertise on the topic.

“Who made Curtis Stone an expert on parenting? This wouldn’t work in my household,” said another.

Having raised kids of their own for many years, there are lots of baby boomers out there who have an opinion on this controversial issue.

What are your thoughts this topic?

Should kids be left to go hungry if they don’t eat what they’re served? Did you make your kids eat everything on their plate? What was it like when you were growing up?