Clearing the plate has been a common rule for generations of children wanting to leave the table.
But now experts suggest the simple mantra may be fuelling the UKs obesity crisis by encouraging kids to overeat.
Nearly four in ten (37 per cent) parents say the typically make their children eat everything in front of them.
And around half (48 per cent) let their kids have second helpings at least one a week, a YouGov poll of 1,065 mums and dads found.
Almost one in four (23 per cent) insist their children finish everything they are served while often relying on their own portion estimates when dishing up.
The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), behind the survey, warn this could be causing kids to overindulge.
Nearly four in ten (37 per cent) parents say the typically make their children eat everything in front of them (file image)
NHS data shows almost one in 10 children joining primary school are obese , rising to 22 per cent by the time they leave for secondary school (file photo)
NHS data shows almost one in 10 children joining primary school are obese, rising to 22 per cent by the time they leave for secondary school.
Growing research shows this is setting them on a path to ill-health by raising the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and other obesity-related issues in adulthood.
Yet one in ten parents with children aged between five and 11 give them the same size portions as themselves, with only eight per cent of all parents say they use guidelines or portion charts as an aid.
Snacking between meals is also rife with 88 per cent saying their children eat between meals at least once a week, while 38 per cent are given them daily.
Half of parents said they judged portion sizes based on how much their youngsters usually eat, while 16 per cent let their children serve themselves.
But fewer than two in ten have pudding each day, the survey found.
The charity is encouraging parents to ‘get portion wise’ and think about how much they are giving their little-ones.
Bridget Benelam, nutrition communications manager for the BNF, said: ‘Research has shown that large portions of food encourage both adults and children to eat more, so getting portion sizes right is an important element of having a balanced diet that supports a healthy body weight.’
She said parents should aim to give portion sizes that reflect their body size and calorie requirements, adding: ‘One way to get an idea of proportions is to compare yours and your child’s hands.
‘For example, for baked potatoes we suggest a potato approximately the size of a fist, which will be larger for an adult, smaller for a younger child.
‘If in doubt, start small and offer second helpings if your child is still hungry.’
