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Slow Fussy Eater - Complete lack of interest in food
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No best answer has yet been selected by jlbharper. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Have you had allergy testing done for food reactions?
Could he be gluten and/or lactose intolerant for instance?What do your doctor and health visitor advise?
If they can't offer real help themselves ask for a referal to a dieitcian - nutritionist, make sure that they realise just how worried you are.
It is a really tough call but if you feel something is wrong stick to your guns and do not be fobbed off ...I hate it when health proffesionals play the paranoid mother card. In the last few instances of friends persuing issues they have been right in five out of six cases.
I do wonder if the not eating at school is a class wide issue, ask the other mothers. A couple of years ago when our school was pushed to investigate , it transpired that one dinner lady couldn't wait to get shot of the kids - as once they were outside they were no longer her responsibility. Charming ! Is the loss of weight because he is running about a lot more now he is at school?Keeping up with the other little dynamos playing chase games , football etc. Hope this gives you a few ideas to peruse and follow up if necessary.
I would reccommend the above info too. I have worked with children for 16 years and have seen this quite often - sadly as a NN, there was not much we could do about it as we would have to make sure he ate - so we would have given him whatever he liked to get something down him ..... not helpful i know.
My nephew is the same - he doesn't eat what he doesn't like. Sweets, crisps and dunkers are his favourite and my Sister-in-law will have one ready for when he comes out of school so that she knows he's eaten something. i tend to be a bit crueler (if thats a word) and make him wait until he gets home to give him a early dinner which he will eat some of.
DO stick to your guns and call in the help of the professionals. What does the school say about it? Maybe request that they give you a list of the foods that are on offer daily and ask a Teacher to keep a diary of what he does (if any) eat. That you can then take to the HV and GP
good luck and my fingers are crossed for you
Traci xx
I also agree with all of the above, but don't rely too much on centiles. These can, sometimes, be very misguiding if for instance your son was born prematurely or most of his immediate family tend to be on the small, lean side. The important thing is to look at the trend of his weight/height on the chart and if it is making a nice ark then you should not worry too much. The problem comes when there is a sudden drop/peak and that is when you need to investigate. The fact that his weight and height are on the same centile would suggest to me that he is developing well and is just small for his age.
I agree that you should try and stop weighing him (once every 1or 2 months should be enough) as he will pick up on the fact that you are worried and this will set up anxieties in him. The same goes for eating. I realise that you are obviously very worried, but try not to show it to you son. As you say he is eating enough to survive so there is realy no need to worry as long as he is healthy, active and alert.
You say you often end up feeding your son and mealtimes can up to an hour. This is too long for anyone to sit at the table (unless it is accompanied by candle light, a good bottle of wine and the love of your life!) Try limiting meal times to 30 minutes and allow him to leave whatever he doesn't eat in that time. Don't feed him - he's a big boy now - and this will give him some independence and control over what and how much he eats. Give him lots of praise, even if he eats one spoonful. Make mealtimes a positive experience for him.
You could also see if he will have a glass of milk and a couple of biscuits as part of his bed time routine.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
I believe that my Mum took me to the doctors when I was that age as I wouldn't eat - I have seen pictures with my ribs protruding slightly too!!
I don't remember it but I know she was told that I'd eat what I needed and when I was hungry.
Nearly 30 years later I am facing the other extreme and trying to cut down on the food to fit into my clothes better!!
Just wanted to say that he'll be fine. I would go by his manner - as said earlier - and whether or not he seems to have enough energy. He will improve.
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