Child Health

[HongKongphooey]

I don't know if anyone can help me with this one. For the last 6 years I have been writing by email to a lady in Madagascar. She is married and has 3 little boys of 6yrs 3yrs an 26months. Both parents work, but as is usual get very low wages out there. The family's diet is primarly rice at every meal with a small amount of fruit and vegetables depending on what they can afford. Meat is a once a month treat and fish maybe once a week. The youngest boy only has 10 teeth and my friend worries that this isn't normal. She also says the 3yr old falls over alot when he plays and runs about. She is worried it is due to weak bones.
I have sent child vitamins when I can, and also a little amount of money every couple of month's to get tins of baby milk which both younger boys drink. For this I know my friend is eternally thankful
Do you think these problems are a sign of malnutrition? I would like to help more but I don't earn alot myself.

[waterlocke22]

I don't mean to be rude but how does she afford to use a computer to E-mail you yet not feed her kids?

[HongKongphooey]

She uses her email at work

[bednobs]

falling over a lot it not a sign of weak bones - it's a sign of being 3 years old. it would be much more concerning if when he fell over he broke bones. Regarding teeth my daughter (admittedly a little younger than 26 months, but not much) only has around 10 teeth, and did not get her first one till she was 13 months, and i'm 100% sure she is no malnourished

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with Bednobs, falling over is part of being a toddler - as for the tooth development that may be quite common based on the diet in their culture.

Is the six year old healthy and able ? If so, then the little ones will surely be too.

I admire your caring nature here, however we sometimes have to accept the differences and there is only so much you can do.