My 10 year old won't each much.

1. 83

   jacqui2011posted 12 years ago

   My 10 year old won't each much.
   
   I had an eating disorder as a teenager, now I find my 10 year old is becoming very fussy with her food, and not eating very much. Does anyone have any advice, and do you think that this could have been inherited from me?

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2. 81

   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   Hi jacqui2011,
   
   I wouldn't worry about your daughter inheriting an eating disorder. And unless she is specifically saying to you that she is not eating because she is on a diet, it is probably just a phase that she is going through. If you are happy that she is not unwell in any way and that she has no dental issues that would put her off eating, then you can cross medical issues off the list as well. If in any doubt check it out with your doctor.
   
   A couple of other things to check out. Is there any friends or events at school that would make her want to change her eating habits - for example is there a friend who is vegetarian? or an event at school that might have made her change her diet? Often at this age they hear about trends and they want to follow them. Is she worried about anything - for example has she had a fall out with a friend, or an issue at school making her unhappy? These are all things that can put a kid off their usual food.
   
   If she is just being fussy and if time and budgets allow, you could sit down with her and agree a menu. Include things that she would enjoy eating or agrees to eat, but part of the bargain has to be that she also eats foods that are good for her - especially if her choices are all low nutritional foods. Hope this helps a bit.

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3. 0

   Giselle Maineposted 12 years ago

   A difficult question. My cousin was diagnosed with anorexia and it came as a suprise to her immediate and extended family.  I wish it had been picked up earlier, but she'd always been thin so it never occurred to us that there was anything wrong.  In fact, it was only when someone outside the family spoke up that the issue came to light.  I don't think anorexia or bulimia is especially easily 'inherited', but regardless, you may have a valid concern there because of your child's behavior.  Yet equally, on the other hand, it may just be general fussiness as Seeker7 says.  If it were my child and the child was still a minor (as yours is) then I would consider an appointment with the child's doctor but give a heads-up phone call to the doctor to let them know what you are looking for at the appointment (without your child necessarily knowing).
   
   Regardless of whether there is an eating disorder or not, I would think that having you AND especially her father giving occasional 'positive body image propoganda' messages cannot hurt.  (e.g. with the message that you love her and that she will always be your little bundle of love no matter how old she gets). In other words, I would target the emotional side of the equation rather than purely the physical food intake, but keep it subtle and work it into day-to-day stuff (e.g. 'little Tommy next door is getting so much taller every day! I remember when he was just a little bitty baby...' that lets you segue into reminding her that you love her all the time).  This is because the physical changes of puberty can be distressing for some girls and knowing that they are loved, and reminded that they look good, will make it easier for them to accept their changing bodies.  You pose a difficult question there.

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4. 72

   delaneyworldposted 12 years ago

   Hi Jacqui2011:  I want to first say that I'm sorry you went through that.  It is a great feat to overcome an eating disorder.
   
   Second, I would worry about her depending upon circumstances.  Is she so fussy that she is not getting adequate nutrition?  Has she lost weight or is she not growing properly?  Does she have enough energy during the day to do the things most 10 year olds do? 
   
   If you are super worried, I would consider a basic visit to the doctor to make sure she is growing normally, maybe basic blood test just to make sure she doesn't have an infection or something that might contribute to aversions to certain foods.
   
   Lastly, I would recommend a daily vitamin supplement, as approved by your daughter's physician ( we love the gummy vitmains), and think about supplementing her diet with a product like Pediasure.  It contains a lot of basic nutrients kids need to grow.  It comes in several flavors, but you can also make it more attractive by blending it up with fresh fruits, adding some low fat frozen yogurt, or what not to make it taste better.
   
   You just need to find that balance with her and be sure you are emulating healthy eating as well. 
   
   Wishing you the best of luck and hope you both are doing well!
   
   Warmly,
   
   Jen

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