Eating too much

Kids grow fast and big appetites are normal. Chart your child's growth and weight just to make sure it's normal, in which case all you really have to do is ensure you're giving your child ordinary portions and not letting him or her snack too much.   

If this doesn't work, and your little monster still has the appetite of a 15-stone rugby player, make sure you're giving him or her slow-release carbohydrates such as bread, rice and pulses instead of fatty, sugary foods, and lots of fruit and vegetables. And, of course, plenty of exercise!