If an underweight child doesn't like to eat, should the parents force feed him/her?

Question

What other alternatives are there (if any)?

Oh, I don't have any kids now. It's just that I was force fed when I was a kid, and I was wondering are there any other alternatives to what was done to me. I don't want to repeat the same mistake(s) as my parents.

Answer 1

i know you want to but i don't think that is the best way....consult a pediatrician.

i have a nephew like that and he hates to eat...my sister bought him some of that pedia-milk drink..it comes in different flavors and kid's packaging. The drink helps the kid get the proper nutrition, something like the drinks that they give elderly people when they don't want to eat or can't..i forget the name though.

it's hard, but the trick i use w/ my nephew is to eat something and act like he is really missing out on some good food...he usually joins in then....or have another child act like they are enjoying the food....good luck!

Answer 2

Some kids just don't eat much. If your child is doing well in school, his skin/eyes/hair look healthy, and he is gaining weight over time as he grows taller, is there really a problem?

Is your child underweight by your reckoning, or a Doctor's judgement? Is there a sudden loss of appetite, or is this just your child's 'style' when it comes to food? (most of us are so obsesed by food it's hard to imagine someone who truly only eats when hungry) Is the loss of appetite due to a physical illness? Depression?

Literal force feeding is assault, or abuse. Force feeding a child is going to make a child already not interested in eating HATE mealtime. And you. And himself. If your child is having an emergency, the hospital will start IV feeding. A child with no appetite, who is losing weight or underweight for his height and body type, is a kid who needs to see the family practice doctor. He' also a kid who needs parents that will seek GOOD MEDICAL ADVICE. It gives me the shivers to think you are asking about this on Yahoo!Answers.

Answer 3

NEVER force feed a child. Some kids just have a high metabolism. I have a scrawny one too. She will eat but only on her timing. She's a little older now and is snapping out of it though. I just make a small tray of snacks in the morning after the older kids go to school and leave it out on the table. She'll pass by and grab a little something on her way through. She gained sometimes and stayed the same others but never lost. I would put out grapes, orange slices, crackers, carrot sticks,celery and peanut butter, pickles. You name it it was most likely there. She would just pick and go. Healthy stuff and it was safe to leave out. In the fridge I would put a yogurt and some meat and cheeses. She has a special little shelf and there you go. She would still eat with the rest of us as well. Kids love the choice and they feel special being able to serve themselves. Just monitor what you put out. Many blessings and good luck.

Answer 4

Hold on. Has the child's pediatrician determined the child is underweight? If so, your best option is to feed the child calorie-dense, wholesome foods and make the most of snacks. Whole milk & cheese, eggs, smoothies - things like that.
Never, ever force a child to eat.
Consider getting the child out into fresh air more often - exercise & sweaty play always works up an appetite.

Answer 5

How old is your child?

Don't forget that our stomachs are only the size of our fist, so little ones really don't need to eat much to fill up -

Does your child drink a lot of fluids throughout the day? If yes, then, (s)he may be filling up on fluids instead of solids.

If you think there is a problem, I would definitely check with the pediatrician who may recommend a child nutritionist, but force feeding doesn't sound like a solution, just another problem for you and your child.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Absolutely not. My son is by all standards "underweight." He was also born to parents who aren't all that tall and don't weigh a lot. It makes sense that he wouldn't be a hefty boy.

I heard from a nutritionist "Feed them what they want." If a child will only eat peanut butter...let them have it three meals a day. Eventually new tastes will form and they will try different things.

There is a difference between underweight and undernourished. As long as this particular child (I assume you are talking about someone specific) isn't suffering...don't push it. Offer healthy foods at every meal. Offer meal replacement shakes like Pediasure. Try a vitamin every day. If all else fails...give it time. Kids are picky...always have been. :-)

Answer 7

No, definitely not, it may just make the child less likely to eat, and find it horrible.

What ages is the child?

Have a constant supply of different foods and offer them all day.
Sit in front of him/her with someone else, eat in front of them while raving about the food, saying yumm just being very excitable about the food, don't look at the child or tell them, just tell each other, generally the child will want to find out what is so wonderful about it and want to try.

My sisters child did not put on weight for 6 months the drs were a bit concerned but not overly, she decided she would only eat strawberries and cooked apple and that is all she ate (and might I add little amounts) for 6 months. One day she just started eating everything and she is not fussy at all.

If you put the child under pressure they will NOT eat.

Answer 8

Your wellness care provider could have suggested something approximately BMI (physique mass index). this could nicely be a formula that calculates no rely in the adventure that your weight is healthful as follows: •Underweight = <18.5 •commonly used weight = 18.5–24.9 •obese = 25–29.9 consisting of your top at weight your BMI comes out to 17.a million. So, underweight! it can be a solid thought to eat greater (a minimum of 1500 energy) relatively at your age. Milkshakes ought to no longer be the suited way, yet customarily eating 2000 energy is seen regularly occurring for holding a healthful weight and physique. you should be sure you're giving your physique sufficient skill (food) so as which you do no longer experience drained. From what you have reported, you should be careful to no longer enhance an eating sickness. in case you nonetheless experience that the quantity of energy is in basic terms too severe, then attempt to workout to apply them up beneficially. in spite of everything, you're basically 13 good now, you do no longer must be too in contact consisting of your weight in basic terms yet.

Answer 9

They say that you should never force a child to eat. It will create bad eating habits and sometimes can lead to obesity. Just remember, a child will not starve themselves. They will eat when they are hungry. There are always alternatives such as pedisure and other nutritional ways of putting on weight. My daughter has always been low on the charts as far as weight goes. We had her tested and she has some food allergies. My advice to you is to talk to the doctor about this. But please do not force your child to eat. Good Luck!

Answer 10

One of my daughters is under weight/ height for her age. She is one of 4 of my kids that were born premature. I know from experience that you never have to force feed your child. If she's hungry she will eat. But here's something to keep in mind. If you're giving her snacks throughout the day, be sure they are healthy. If she's eating junk food, she won't want to eat her meals. If she doesn't eat junk food, give her snacks all day instead of meals (crackers and cheese or peanut butter, apple slices, yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, etc.) But please don't worry about it. Kids go through various stages where they will or won't eat. As long as your providing healthy choices, she'll eat when she is ready. ;)

* You may want to ask your doctor if he/ she thinks your child needs a vitamin suplement (Flintstones, bugs bunny, gum ball vitamins). Best of luck! :)