6yr old not eating enough

[diannescruffy]

Hi all,
My 6yr old DD is getting me worried. About two years ago she started getting fussy with her food. She use to eat everything then all of a sudden she didn't like this or that, food that she has eaten before. She won't try anything new and sticks to a limited selection of food she likes. I've taken her to the doctor many times, he said she will grow out of it, how long does it take? He did blood tests and everything came back alright.
Two years ago I had a stillbirth and my DD was devastated. I've been wondering whether this could have started her eating problems as it happened around the same time. I just don't know what to do, any advice would be appreciated.

[Spring Angel]

hi there

Firstly, I am so sorry for your loss :hugs:

I don't know much about kids and food, but I'd say if her turing off food conicided with the loss of your baby then it might be worth getting a referral to a child psychologist. It is hard for little people to communicate how they are feeling so perhaps a psych might be able to help her out.

HTH
Take care
LV Spring

[lilias]

I don't have a fussy eater myself, but being a childcare worker, I have dealt with many at work. Eating and food is such a sensitive subject for little ones isn't it, and adults for that matter, LOL!

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I agree with diannescruffy that maybe seeing a psycologist might help. Even if this has nothing to do with your loss, she might have other things she wants to talk about.

Perhaps the best thing for now is to just offer her different foods regularly, when at mealtimes sit with her and eat too, then if she doesn't eat in about 15-20mins, take it away, without a fuss. If you can put it away for later, like a sandwich or fruit, just put it in the fridge and offer it later. Maybe she's just a grazer and would rather eat small amounts often. If that's the case, have a lunch box or something for her in the fridge or on the counter where she can get things when she wants it. And then she can choose with you in the morning what she wants, and maybe you can add a thing or two so she gets new foods to try. Or maybe have her help to make the food she's eating, like if you're making muffins or something, include her in cooking them. Or even just a sandwich, it is something she can do herself with some supervision.

HTH!