I know it's frustrating because I still have that mindset about full tummies, happy kids, yadda, yadda, and I hate waste, but now I just offer a small portion and let them figure it out. No pressure, no talking about eating, just food in front of them and the free will to eat or be hungry. Especially at eight years old. I won't entertain conversation about being hungry, because food was provided and they chose not to eat it. As far as waste, they get small portions to start and any uneaten food goes to compost for my garden, so no waste!
