Ask
Our Experts: Could My 7 Yr-Old Be Anorexic?
We hear so much about eating disorders, but how do you know the difference
between just being a picky eater and a real problem? Parenting expert
and child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin, CEO of Raisingkids.co.uk, discusses
this issue.
Raisingkids
member's problem
Do eating disorders only affect teenagers? My 7 year-old eats breakfast
and picks at dinner but refuses to eat lunch at school. I've tried packed
lunches but it's no better. When I ask what she'd like to eat, she just
shrugs and appears uninterested. I've tried taking no notice but eventually
her attitude wears me down. I worry about her getting a balanced diet.
Could a 7 year-old be developing anorexia?
Dr
Spungin's advice
Picky eating can drive you mad but it's not necessarily harmful. If she's
lively, looks well and is growing at the same rate as her classmates,
relax. If she's listless and looks poorly or gets recurrent infections,
then it's time to see your doctor. Is she healthy and energetic? If so,
she may just have a naturally small appetite so trust her and don't worry
about it. Many children today are out-of-touch with their appetites through
constant snacking and grazing. In the Western world, over-eating is far
more of a problem than under-eating.
Make
sure that what she does eat is balanced. Since she eats breakfast and
dinner, make sure they're nutritionally rich. You don't say if she's finally
agreed to a hot meal or a packed lunch but maybe food from home is a better
option. Let her choose what she wants for herself and if she brings it
back without eating it, don't say anything. If she's otherwise fine, it's
not an issue.
If she doesn't have a hang-up about what she
eats, don't encourage one by your own anxiety. Good luck. I know it's
difficult to stay calm when your child appears not to be eating but trust
your instincts.
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