A little more.......She says that sometimes she just feels like she has to. Not whole pieces but quarter size pieces. My husband and I just are not sure what to do. Is seeing the doctor necessary? Any idea what would cause her to feel the NEED to do this?
2006-10-24 13:33:47 · 17 answers · asked by my3sweetties 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It could be pica, which is a craving for non-food items such as ash, dirt, ice (chewing it), cigarette butts, etc...It could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, like anemia (low iron), so take her to the pediatrician, just in case.
2006-10-24 13:48:30 · answer #1 · answered by CH 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My daughter used to eat paper when she was young. Before that, it was dirt, so I was kind of relieved about the paper thing. I think strange cravings like that have something to do with not getting enough of some minerals or nutrients in their diet. Don't make a big deal about it. She's not eating that much of it, and it's not going to hurt her.
Get her a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, and make sure she is getting a well balanced diet. Maybe that will help this phase pass more quickly.
2006-10-24 13:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by gatheringplace2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, cellulose is not digestable and has no nutritional value. The molecules are far too complex in order for them to be broken down by hydrolosis and therefore digested. It doesn't really harm you, it sort of just passes through you without anything happening to it. Kids eat paper, glue, etc. all the time. If she feels the "need" to do it, you may want to have a doctor look at her.
2006-10-24 13:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by jc2946 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive been known to eat a bit of paper in my youth..it didn't kill me..i liked the taste for some unknown reason...if you feel shes eating to much then take some measures..like , put the paper away, get the school involved..ask them to monitor her and then you could ask your doctor..good luck..by the way , by the time I hit teenage years I out grew it.
2006-10-24 13:39:25 · answer #4 · answered by tazzle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids have a hard time explaining their compulsions and habits. One of mine used to chew on his shirt...constantly. It does sound like something the doctor should know, in the meantime, whenever you see her doing it, gently remind her not to or just take the paper away without making a big deal about it. If it turns into a big issue, it may effect her self esteem and bring about the developement of even worse habits!
2006-10-24 13:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by Mo the treehugger! 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I saw an epsiode on TLC or discovery Channel about a girl that went to the ER. She had a habit of eating 6(yes six) rolls of toilet paper a day. I would have your daughter checked out for obsessive compulsive disorders. She needs your help now.!!!!
God bless you!
2006-10-24 13:42:45 · answer #6 · answered by burrgump 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try using food instead of pills to improve her diet. Molasses and wheat grain and fish in her diet will help. If she is sick use great fruit and lemons. At eight years she is probably into any social disorder that the parents dont know about.
2006-10-24 16:17:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i eat paper sometimes. Seeing the doctor isn't needed. I've know i've never had a poblem, just make sure the paper is clean and stuff.
It's really just something you do without knowing it, but no one has died from it.
2006-10-24 13:40:07 · answer #8 · answered by If I run 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like an eating disorder called Pica. It's an eating disorder that occurs mostly with children and pregnant women.
2006-10-24 13:52:36 · answer #9 · answered by Courtney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she talk about being fat? Does she eat regular food?
She may have an eading disorder. Take her to a counslor and a doctor, just to make sure.
2006-10-24 13:57:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋