lightbrite,
4. What about a children’s eating contest?
Didn’t think about it back then, but I once babysat for a Jewish family. The children had a gherkin eating contest.
The parents allowed it.
I was there watching as they were laughing and stuffing their faces.
I personally have discouraged my kids from competing with each other while eating, but every child and every situation are different, so it’s up to the loving parents. Depending on the ages and type of food, there still could be a choking risk to watch out for, but siblings at the table who are having fun are unlikely to “push past the pain” and risk hurting themselves.