Help, kids wont eat much..

[bizymum]

Hello all,

I am in need of a little advice. My DS'S ages 4 and 7 have not been eating very well lately. Especially since the hoiliday season. Mind you they both were sick too. Oldest DS had a really bad cough that was keeping him awake at night, so he hardly slept at all.

My youngest DS, justgot put on an inhaler a week before Christmas, they are now watching him for allergies and asthma.

Anyway, my mom noticed that they boys looked like that they had lost weight, I never really paid to much attention till she said that, and now that I look at them she is right. I feel so guilty that I did not pick up on it sooner, I feel really really bad, like I am a bad mom.
So now the battles begin. Trying to get them to eat. Meal time is a fight. I questioned them on how come they didn't want to eat. They had two reasons. One was that they told me a friend told them that they would get very fat if they eat. Another is that they dont want to miss play time.
Now I am getting worried, they used to be pretty good eaters, but like I said it is fight lately to get them to eat.
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get them to eat well again? I make them their favorite foods too.
I am also giving them vitamins too.
I am worried,how this affect my oldest at school, where he is having troubles already.

has anyone else come across this situation or something simalar?


Thanks.

[JeannieOR]

I'd take them to the pediatrition. Maybe they've gotten taller and the weight hasn't caught up with them, yet. In any case, it might be a good idea to have the kids talk with the Dr. about it.

[Marla]

I agree with Jeannie. Take them to the pediatrician to update their height and weight. Perhaps they have grown, which is making them looking like they've lost weight.

Reassure them that they definately will not get fat from eating, and that their bodies need food to grow. Have you talked about the 5 food groups with them, and what "good" food is versus "bad" food? I have a 6 and a 9 year old that have talked about all of this at school.

My oldest son(9) has always been 50% for height (right on average), but only 10% for weight (way under). I have never been concerned that he is too skinny, because the doctor assures me that he is quite healthy (and he is a good eater).

I too give my children vitamins everyday, and try to make sure they eat "relatively" well (but they still like cookies, chocolate etc.)

I wouldn't worry until you've talked to your doctor

[Cathy]

I agree about taking them in to see the doctor. Please be careful about setting up mealtime as a battle. Food problems, weight issues, and control struggles are so long lasting--and their recent refusal to eat may be a phase. Don't feel bad about not noticing some weight loss. When you spend so much time with them, it's hard. Your mom probably notices other changes like height and language development because she sees them less often.

[littlesista06]

bizzymum - I can sympathize with what you're going through.
Dd is 5 and brings her lunch back home with her nearly everyday - I think she's doing too much talking and not enough eating. So, we've fussed and worried and then worried we've done too much fussing, etc.

I think the advice you've gotten - to see the pediatrician - is the best. Have you tried several small meals during the day... this might get them back on track during the holidays since they are home and you can change their schedule around a little bit.

Hang in there and you may be posting back here that they are eating you out of house and home before long! I hope!! :)

I wish you luck and don't beat yourself and think you're a bad mom - we don't always notice what's going on right under our nose and it takes someone who isn't around everyday to notice things. Let's be glad she said something and now you can take it from there. Good luck. :)

[Diane]

I've always been a firm believer that when kids are hungry... they will eat. My kids would always use the... My tummy is too full to eat any more... My rule has always been that if you're tummy is too full to eat a good/nutritious meal than it's also too full for any snacks... so if they REALLY wanted a snack they had no choice but to eat. If they wanted to go without the snack... that was there choice/business. LOL I never really nagged or pushed food on them because I found that if/when I did fuss about it they'd make it a point to eat even less. (just to show me that they didn't HAVE to) Cut off or limit the snacks they get until you're satisfied with the amount of food they are eating. I also agree about taking them to their pediatrition. Maybe hearing it from their doctor will help them listen and understand the value of eating. Good luck... I hope that you see some positive changes real soon. :)

Diane... :wave:

[bizymum]

Thanks for the advice,

I think I will take them to the DR. this week since there is no school. just to be sure.

My oldest doesn't eat his lunch at school either, but usually when he gets home from school he says he is hungry, so I guess I will wait and see with that when school starts again.

I will keep everyone posted. Thanks again