|
Children
I came across your web site and it is excellent! I am concerned about my son's height. He is 11 years old and is 4'6" and weighs 65 lbs. When he was born he was 19 in. long and weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. I believe he grew 1 inch this past year. I haven't really discussed it with his doctor because I didn't want my son to feel self-conscious. I was wondering if you could point me in the direction to a height/ weight chart on the web or tell me if his height is in the normal range? When do boys do most of their growing? Should I be concerned? Any advice you give me would be very helpful!
Your son is average height and average weight for age. As a newborn, he was short for height and average weight for age.
Your son is not in a growth spurt, but will steadily increase in height and weight until he reaches 13 - 15 years. Then he will add lots of height and weight because of an adolescent growth spurt. He will keep growing until he is 23, but will reach 90% of his adult height by age 18. FYI, girls growth spurt is younger and peaks earlier at age 15. Don't worry about your son's height or weight unless he doesn't gain height or weight for 6 months to 1 year. Next time, do ask his doctor open ended questions like "when is my son going to start his adolescent growth spurt?". If you feel you son would feel self-conscious about this, ask his doctor when your son is out of the room or ask his doctor to call you on the phone to talk privately. I have an 11-year-old son who has a constant stomachache. It doesn't seem to bother him except at bedtime. He goes through the day fine, but at bedtime - or close to it - his stomach hurts. I have taken him to the doctor several months ago with this problem, and he concluded that he had "cranky" bowels. We did a routine of enemas (3 times) and milk of magnesia for 2 weeks to get him regular and the stomachaches seem to go away. He still goes to the bathroom regularly - usually at least 1 time a day. I just don't know what to do.
Should I try a bland diet for a while? Should I take him to an internal medicine doctor? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. It is excellent he is getting medical attention. However, I have never heard a diagnosis of "cranky bowels". Did your son's doctor say he was constipated?
Do you know or can your son describe the consistency of his stool? If it is small balls of stool stuck together, that is constipated stool. Just because your son has a bowel movement once a day does not mean that he isn't constipated. Normal stool consistency varies, but should not have distinct balls of stool stuck together. Sometimes when a child experiences constipation, they learn to hold stool rather than trying to pass painful bowel movement. Enemas and milk of magnesia are not permanent solutions for constipation. A bland diet for ulcers would not resolve constipation, but probably increase it. The following are a few useful dietary changes to consider. If the problem is constipation:
Some good food sources include:
Another consideration could be H-Pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria that causes ulcers. This bacteria infects the valve at the bottom of your stomach where it connects with your small intestines. People with stomach ulcers often complain of stomachaches, but persons with ulcers in the first part of their intestines (duodenal ulcers) don't usually experience pain. There is a blood test (blood titer) that your doctor can run if he / she hasn't already to confirm H-Pylori which can easily be treated with antibiotics. I am a student at Goshen College and have a presentation on nutrition of children ages 1-3 coming up. I'm wondering if you have any information on any aspect of this topic if you could send it to me either via e-mail or snail mail. I appreciate any help you are able to offer!
There are many books written on the subject of children's nutrition. Would suggest you narrow your topic to a few specific concerns. Are you concerned with normal nutrition (healthy food needs for normal growth and development) or abnormal nutrition (iron deficiency anemia or baby bottle tooth decay). Try to pick a specific topic that interests you and a topic you would like to learn more about.
The Fitness Partner Connection Jumpsite receives quite a few nutrition questions. We usually answer the basic ones ourselves and send the more complex cases to Ask the Dietitian or the American Dietetic Association site. However, I just received a really basic question that perplexed me, so I had to ask you personally.
We'd be oh so grateful if you could humor us for a moment and enlighten everyone about the official role of the potato in the pyramid. I'll pass your answer along to our visitor and refer her back to your site for more information. Ask the Dietitian is a gold mine of great information. BTW we send people there all the time. Here's the question: My daughter's preschool recently said the meal I had provided for her did not meet all of the food groups. I sent ham, fried potatoes, green beans, fresh carrots and milk. They claim that the fried potatoes are considered a vegetable and not a bread/bread alternative. I was always under the impression that potatoes are complex carbohydrates and do not meet the requirements of vegetables. Please advise. Thanks to Fitness Partner Connection Jumpsite for the feedback.
The confusion about potatoes is because they are a vegetable in the Food Guide Pyramid and a bread exchange in the diabetic exchange list and a complex carbohydrate when comparing food sources of carbohydrate. The food guide pyramid was designed to guide people to eat an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals per day (i.e. a balanced diet) and eat a variety of foods for health. The diabetic exchange list was designed for diabetics to control blood glucose and for non-diabetics weight control. Some people are concerned with eating complex rather than simple carbohydrates because they want to limit the amount of sugar in their diets. These various methods of meal planning can confuse people wanting to eat a healthy diet. Potatoes are a great food to eat for all these reasons. Funny the preschool made no mention about your daughter's fried potatoes. Sometimes, fat or diet conscious adults forget that kids need some fat. The calorie concentration in low fat foods doesn't provide sufficient calories for growing children and teens. Besides the grain group, the food group missing in your daughter's school lunch is fruit. This problem could easily be solved with a juice box (100% fruit juice), fresh or dried fruit such as raisins. The old Basic Four combined fruits and vegetables in one list. Now in the Food Guide Pyramid, fruits and vegetables are in separate groups. The pyramid recommended servings are per day, not per meal. I think you gave her a pretty good lunch. You shouldn't be chastised by the preschool since they don't know what your daughter eats the rest of the day. Besides, she got 3 vegetables in 1 meal! Also, a preschooler needs between meal snacks which could consist of fruit or foods from any group in the pyramid. Our ten month old daughter has recently come out in pimply bumps on her cheeks which are sometimes red. We introduced strawberries into her diet just over a week ago which she adores and was eating one each day. Initially there was no reaction, but now these bumps have appeared. Would you agree that it's likely to be the strawberries? Is that a common occurrence in babies? Your advice on this matter would be appreciated.
Would not recommend strawberries to children under the age of 2 due to potential food allergies. Also, don't offer her chocolate because of the same reason. A person's allergic reaction to a food may be immediate or increase after each time you eat it. So it is not surprising that your daughter did not have an immediate reaction, but is starting to react after several exposures to strawberries.
You should also consider that the bumps may be chicken pox. Don't offer your daughter any more strawberries or raspberries in any form, including fruit jams or strawberry ice cream. If the pimpley bumps go away and don't return, she may have an allergy to strawberries. If the bumps return, make an appointment for her to see her doctor as she may have chicken pox. Also note if she develops a fever or other symptoms. In the meantime, if either of you didn't have chicken pox as a child, you can "catch" it from your daughter. Better she get chicken pox out of the way now as it is more painful for adults. I have an 11 year male is 5 ft. 1 in. tall and weighs 132 lbs. Thanking you in advance and looking forward to your reply.
He is tall and heavy for age with a BMI of 25. A healthy weight range is 61 - 116 pounds. A healthy BMI for his age is 15 - 21. BMI is a health risk assessment.
Since he has not yet hit puberty, I would suggest maintaining his weight at 132 and allow him to grow into his weight, especially because he is tall for age. This may take until he is 13 years 3 months, so be patient. The most important thing is to maintain weight and not lose weight as that could negatively impair his height or school performance. He needs about 1870 calories, 62 grams fat, 45 grams pro and 257 grams carb to maintain his weight. My nine and a half year old son is 56 inches tall and weighs 125 lbs. He has always been large for his age.
My six year old daughter is 46 inches tall and weighs 50 lbs. She has always been average for her age. I am extremely overweight and my husband is average weight. As a family, we are physically active for one to one and a half hours a day. Both children are involved in after-school sports also. What should my children weigh and how can I help my son and daughter avoid being extremely overweight like I am? Your son's healthy weight range is 53 to 83 pounds and he is average height for age. I would recommend he maintain his weight while growing in height. This may take a couple of years, but I would not recommend a weight loss diet as his brain is still growing.
Your daughter's healthy weight range is 36 to 52 pounds and she is average for height. She should continue to gain weight as she gets taller. The best prevention to adult obesity is preventing overweight in childhood and adolescence. Getting regular exercise (30 minutes per day, 5 days per week) and not spending too much time in front of television or the computer is important to maintaining a healthy weight. In addition to this, provide a healthy diet. Kids need a variety of foods in 6 small meals per day or 3 regular meals and 3 snacks. Don't make their weight or food the focus, make healthy lifestyle choices the main attraction. FYI, the correct spelling of "FineGold" is Feingold. Many parents of ADD/ADHD children will testify to the benefits of this program. I encourage you to visit the Feingold Association web site to find out more.
If you re-read the question in this topic, you will see that the person asking the question did not have Dr Finegold's diet name correct. In my corresponding answer, the spelling is correct.
I am familiar with the site and the Finegold diet. While there may be many testimonials from parents of ADD/ADHD children for whom the diet "worked", research that tested the Finegold diet did not substantiate the same positive results. Sorry, but I stand by my answer, which is based on nutrition science and research, not testimonials. My daughter is 7. She weighs 52 pounds and is roughly 45" tall. In my eyes she is not overweight, but since she has expressed concern about her appearance, we have made a conscious effort to offer low fat, low sugar nutritious meals and snacks for her (and the rest of the family). Even so, there is not a day that goes by that she does not mention feeling "fat". Her stomach protrudes some (mine did too at her age) which I believe is the source of her obsession. I try to reassure her that as she grows taller, her stomach will become flatter.
I am not making much progress and I fear that her mental well being is beginning to suffer. I am very concerned. How can I pull her out of this downward spiral? I have tried telling her that she looks fine. I've showed her pictures of myself at her age and later when I was thin. I've talked with her about food and nutrition and why we eat certain foods. I don't know what else to try. I am in the process of losing weight from a pregnancy 2 years ago. I have about 25 lbs. to shed, but I try not to talk about it at home because I fear it will reinforce her negative feelings about herself. I'd appreciate any help. I am in the process of testing a Healthy Body Calculator for kids and ran your daughter's data through. Your daughter's weight is average for her height and age. Her BMI is 18, which is a health risk assessment. Normal body fat for her age is 14 to 19.
Her preoccupation with feeling fat and a round tummy can predispose her to developing anorexia or bulimia. Instead tell your daughter that she looks healthy and avoid any discussion of her weight or individual body parts to build her self esteem and self confidence. I would suggest positive feedback about healthy eating habits instead of telling her she doesn't eat enough which will encourage her to restrict food. Is she involved in food purchases or menus? She is old enough to be involved in these food related activities to get her to buy into eating is healthy. You can talk to her school counselor and ask for suggestions on dealing with body image issues for girls her age. Perhaps the counselor knows of some good books for either you or your daughter to read. You are correct in not discussing your weight loss plan with your daughter as it may create competition for attention. Actually, children don't need to eat "low fat" just a healthy amount of fat or approximately 30% of the food she eats can come from fat. Unfortunately, the current focus on eating low fat foods has fallen on children who actually need extra fat calories to grow normally. Most children can handle whole or low fat milk, not skim and they don't need the low fat or fat free versions of food unless they are overweight for height. FYI, the human body uses fat to produce hormones, including those necessary for puberty which could be delayed if your daughter doesn't eat enough fat. Is your daughter involved in sports? If yes, a sport can encourage girls to have strong, muscular, healthy bodies. Ever take a look at Olympic or collegiate female athletes? They have strong, muscular bodies to compete athletically. What happens when you drink dish soap? What does it do to your body?
Depends on how much dish soap you drank in how much time. Would suggest you contact your local poison control center immediately. They would have the best information about what it does to your body.
I am 12 years old and measure 5'2". I weigh 108. Is that about right?
Write back please. Your weight is in a healthy range of 100 - 120 pounds for your height. A girl's body grows until she is 18 and reaches 90% of her adult height by age 15. So don't diet now or you may not grow to your maximum height. Taller people burn more calories and therefore get to eat more food!
Also make sure you eat dairy products rich in calcium so that your bones reach their maximum density which occurs around age 25 though that may seem a long way off to you right now. FYI: The following tables were developed by Joanne Kendrick MS RD, nutritionist with the St. Paul Ramsey County Nutrition Program, Minnesota. The tables contain weight gain and height growth for children. These tables continue from the Infants topic and in the Teens topic. The increases in weight and height percentiles were transferred from the 1976 growth charts of the National Center for Health Statistics, NDHS Growth Charts, which are the latest available as of June 1997. The data was created by the NDHS in cooperation with the Center for Disease Control and are based on data from the Health Examination Surveys and the Health Nutrition Examination Survey. These data are appropriate for infants, children and teenagers in the general United States population. Weight and height should be within 2 percentile rankings of each other. Percentile rankings are figured at 95th, 90th, 75th, 50th, 25th, 10th and 5th. This means that at the 95th percentile, the child is heavier or taller than 95% of other children the same age. Growth curves should not rise or drop 2 percentile rankings over 6 months as this would indicate a change in growth pattern (i.e. becoming short and heavy or tall and underweight). For instance, if a child's birth weight is in the 95th percentile for weight, then at any age, his/her weight should not be below the 75th percentile. Also, there should be a correlation between height and weight as well. For instance, if a child's height is at the 75th percentile, this child's weight should not be below the 25th percentile or above the 95th. The tables intended use is for parents to assist them in determining whether their child's weight and height are following a "normal" growth pattern using the child's own birth weight and length as a baseline. For instance, if a female child's birth weight and height were in the 50th percentile (average for age) then between 3 and 3 1/2 years of age, the child should gain 2 pounds and 1 1/2 inches in height. If the female child was in the 5th percentile (small for age) at birth, then between 3 and 3 1/2 years of age, the child should gain 1 1/2 pounds and 1 1/2 inches in height. GIRLS 2 - 12 YEARS IN POUNDS Age in Years Gain per 6 months in Pounds 95th 50th 5th 2 TO 2 1/2 3 2 2 2 1/2 TO 3 3 2 1/2 1 1/2 3 TO 3 1/2 3 2 1 1/2 3 1/2 TO 4 3 2 2 4 TO 4 1/2 3 2 1 1/2 4 1/2 TO 5 3 2 2 5 TO 5 1/2 3 2 1 1/2 5 1/2 TO 6 4 2 1 1/2 6 TO 6 1/2 4 2 1/2 2 6 1/2 TO 7 5 3 2 7 TO 7 1/2 5 3 2 7 1/2 to 8 6 4 2 8 to 8 1/2 6 4 2 8 1/2 to 9 6 4 3 9 to 9 1/2 8 4 3 9 1/2 to 10 7 4 3 10 to 10 1/2 7 5 3 10 1/2 to 11 7 5 3 11 to 11 1/2 8 6 3 1/2 11 1/2 to 12 7 6 3 1/2 GIRLS 2 - 12 YEARS IN INCHES Age in Years Growth in 6 months in inches 95th 50th 5th 2 TO 2 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 2 1/2 to 3 1 3/4 1 1/2 1 1/2 3 TO 3 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 3 1/2 TO 4 1 1/2 1 5/8 1 1/2 4 TO 4 1/2 1 1/2 1 3/8 1 4 1/2 TO 5 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 1/2 5 TO 5 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 5 1/2 TO 6 1 1 1/2 1 6 TO 6 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 6 1/2 TO 7 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 7 TO 7 1/2 1 1/4 1 1 7 1/2 to 8 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 8 to 8 1/2 1 1/4 1 1 8 1/2 to 9 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 9 to 9 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 1/2 9 1/2 to 10 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 10 to 10 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/4 10 1/2 to 11 1 1/4 1 1/4 1 11 to 11 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/4 11 1/2 to 12 1 1/4 1 3/4 1 1/4 BOYS 2 TO 12 YEARS IN POUNDS Age in Years Gain per 6 months in Pounds 95th 50th 5th 2 TO 2 1/2 2 1/2 2 1/4 1 2 1/2 TO 3 3 2 3/4 2 3 TO 3 1/2 2 2 2 3 1/2 TO 4 3 2 1/4 1 3/4 4 TO 4 1/2 3 2 1 3/4 4 1/2 TO 5 3 1/2 2 2 5 TO 5 1/2 3 1/2 2 1/2 2 5 1/2 TO 6 4 1/2 2 1/2 2 6 TO 6 1/2 4 1/2 2 2 6 1/2 TO 7 4 2 1/2 2 7 TO 7 1/2 5 2 1/2 2 7 1/2 to 8 4 2 1/2 2 8 to 8 1/2 6 3 2 1/2 8 1/2 to 9 5 3 1/2 2 9 to 9 1/2 5 1/2 4 2 1/4 9 1/2 to 10 5 1/2 4 2 1/2 10 to 10 1/2 7 4 2 1/4 10 1/2 to 11 6 4 1/2 3 11 to 11 1/2 7 5 3 11 1/2 to 12 7 5 3 1/2 BOYS 2 TO 12 YEARS IN INCHES Age in Years Growth in 6 months in inches 95th 50th 5th 2 TO 2 1/2 1 1/2 1 3/4 1 1/2 2 1/2 to 3 1 3/4 1 3/4 1 3 TO 3 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 3/4 3 1/2 TO 4 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 4 TO 4 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 4 1/2 TO 5 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/4 5 TO 5 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/2 1 1/4 5 1/2 TO 6 1 1/4 1 1 1/2 6 TO 6 1/2 1 1/4 1 1/8 1 6 1/2 TO 7 1 1/8 1 1/4 1 7 TO 7 1/2 1 1/2 1 1 7 1/2 to 8 1 1 1 8 to 8 1/2 1 1/4 1 1 8 1/2 to 9 1 1/4 1 1 9 to 9 1/2 1 1/8 1 1/8 1 9 1/2 to 10 1 1/8 1 1/8 1 10 to 10 1/2 1 1/2 1 1 10 1/2 to 11 1 1/4 1 1/4 3/4 11 to 11 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 11 1/2 to 12 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 My question is regarding my son. I am concerned about his rate of growth. How much weight and height should a child gain during the 2nd and 3rd years of life. My son is 34 months and is 35.5 inches and 28 pounds. At birth he was 8 lb. 6 oz and 20.5 inches, at his first birthday he was 33 inches and 23 pounds. I guess what concerns me is the sudden slow down of growth. He's only gained 5 pounds and 2.5 inches in the last 2 years, is this normal?
Doctors tell me he's fine since I'm short (5'3 ) and my husband is (5'9), but they always seem short on time and don't go into much detail on why the sudden slow down in his growth. I would appreciate any info. you could provide. Thank you. Growth rate slows down between 2 and 3 years of age. The "average" child gains 5 pounds and 3 1/2 inches as opposed to the rapid doubling of birth weight that occurs in the first year. Your son's weight gain is average and his height increase is less than average. On current growth charts, your son is in the 5th percentile for height and 10th percentile for weight. (This means that 95% of kids his age are taller than him and 90% weigh more.) What that means is he is small compared to children his age.
It is more important that his height and weight are close in percentile. I would be concerned if his weight were in the 75th percentile and height in the 5th percentile. At birth he was at the 75th percentile for height and weight which is probably due to good nutrition during pregnancy. At one year, his height was above the 95th percentile and weight, the 50th percentile. It also appears to me that your son's individual growth pattern is to increase weight, then height. I would suggest that you measure his height every three months to share with his doctor at the next visit. If he doesn't increase in height in 6 months, call your doctor. If his doctor is not concerned and you still have some questions, I would suggest you talk to a pediatric nurse practitioner. Ask you doctor if one works in his office. Otherwise, call your local public health department. Next time your son goes into the doctor, bring a list of questions and ask the doctor for answers. You didn't say anything about his eating habits, but children do eat more during a growth spurt. Unfortunately, 2 year olds start to get picky with what they will eat and will often pick one food and eat just that for several days or even longer. Just remember that children will eat when they are hungry. So as his parent, provide a variety of foods in 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. Let him pick what he wants to eat from the food you offer. If you are unsure about his diet, write down what he eats for 3 days and make an appointment to see a Registered Dietitian who can discuss the nutritional content of his diet. I have two children one eight years and the other six. Both of them are the smallest in height in their school classes. My wife and me are of medium to above medium in height so I don't think it is a hereditary problem. Is there any vitamin supplements that can aid growth or what natural foods can also help.
Height is genetically determined, but diet can also make a difference. If calories or protein are restricted early in life, children may not grow to their genetic potential. Because of improved prenatal care and increased protein intake children are getting taller with each generation. So comparing your children to their classmates may not be a fair comparison.
Have you discussed this with your children's physician? What percentile were their heights and weights at birth? What are their respective heights and weights now? The 50th percentile (average) for a six year old child is about 45 inches in height and 45 pounds in weight. Less than 43 inches and 38 pounds would be below the 5th percentiles (small) for a six year old child. The 50th percentile (average) for an eight year old child is 50 inches in height and 55 pounds in weight. Less than 46 inches and 43 pounds would be below the 5th percentile (small) for an eight year old child. Another consideration is growth spurts, which generally occur around birthdays. Are you children younger than their classmates? Food choices and meal patterns can be planned from the Food Guide Pyramid which is also geared to current healthy eating guidelines which recommend increased fiber with reduced fats and sweets. A variety of food servings from the six food groups in the pyramid are a good basic diet. If you are concerned that your children are not getting the nutrients they need because of their food preferences, you can give them a daily multivitamin. Generally, it is not necessary though. No specific vitamin or mineral will influence height. I am 41 and have a 10 year old daughter, 11 years in October, that is overweight. She is 5'3" and weighs 135. She is not huge fat, but large. She is coordinated and attractive and I want to help her with this weight thing. When she was born she was measured and I remember them saying that only 5 out of 100 children will be larger then she. I am large, 6'2" and weigh about 230. My ex-wife is the type that does not gain weight and can eat virtually anything. She does not exercise either. So for the past 7 years, to my disagreement, Katey has eaten poorly and not exercised regularly. I've had to learn about exercise and diet because of my tendency to overeat and gain weight. I too have set poor overeating examples for Katey and need to change.
Last night I downloaded the Food Guide Pyramid to show Katey what to eat generally speaking. I am in the process of getting my daughter to live with me for an extended period, a few months, to teach her diet and exercise, at this point in her life. I use a Nordic Track regularly. I know veggies, fruit, grains, some protein, low fat is the way to go. I told her if she is 15 pounds overweight she is carrying two of these gallon containers all day. It was a good example. My question is do you have a simple diet for her to follow to knock 10 pounds off? Also, some training material in plain English regarding food groups, maybe a graphic of the pyramid, to help me teach my daughter to manage her diet and weight? Any help is appreciated. Actually, children should not go on weight reduction diets and instead should be allowed to grow into their height. Children who are obese should be seen by a physician to determine any physical cause for the weight gain.
Your daughter is not overweight (actually, a healthy body weight for her is around 115 to 127 pounds). At birth, if she was in the 95th percentile for height and weight, then when she hits a growth spurt around puberty, she will probably grow into her weight. At 5'3" she is 1 1/2" above the 95th percentile for height according to the National Center for Health Statistics. (FYI, your healthy body weight is 190 to 199 pounds. Read the overweight topic for more information for yourself.) The Food Guide Pyramid is a good place to learn about eating a balanced diet. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the pyramid, but you can write to the USDA and request Home and Garden Bulletin number 252. What I am most concerned about though is the messages she will get from you about her weight and what she eats. Ask her what sports or exercise she likes to do and join her doing some of them. The best support you can provide her is by modeling appropriate food and exercise behaviors and keep healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy) in your house for meals and snacks. If you don't buy it or bake it, she (and you) will have a difficult time eating junk food. Your positive feedback and support can do more to guide her to make good food and exercise choices that she will carry with her in spite of the negative social messages given females about their weight. Send your daughter the message to be healthy and physically strong and athletic which will do more to build her self esteem as well as her body. I have a child that I have to pack a cold lunch for. All he ever seems to want is peanut butter, Is he getting enough protein?
You did not say what your son is eating at other meals during the day. Depending on what he eats at the other meals, he may or may not be getting enough protein. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of protein for children one to 10 years of age ranges from 16 to 28 grams of protein. This can be achieved by eating three servings of milk and two servings of meat daily. Two servings of meat are at least four ounces of meat. Two tablespoons of peanut butter can be substituted for one meat serving. Does your son have that much peanut butter on one sandwich? If he had an egg for breakfast and two ounces of meat for supper, one tablespoons of peanut butter at lunch, would be OK. Children seem to do just fine, eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, even on a daily basis.
Peanut butter, by itself however, is not a complete protein. For a snack, peanut butter on celery or an apple is great. For a meal, you should serve peanut butter with a grain since they compliment each other's protein content. In other words, peanut butter and bread are not lacking in the same amino acids (building blocks of protein). Together, peanut butter and bread make a complete protein. It would be nutritionally better to vary the foods offered at lunch. Sandwiches like peanut butter, cheese, leftover roast beef and chicken, tuna, egg or ham salad are all right. He could also try the school lunch program occasionally. Lunch should contribute about one third of a person's nutritional requirements. Try to include one serving from each of the Food Guide Pyramid, meat, milk, bread, fruits, vegetables and fat. Include raw vegetables and dip or fresh fruit in season, especially in the warm months. Remember to include milk or real fruit juice to drink. Those new individual drink boxes are convenient. Look for the juice boxes that contain 100% fruit juice without added sugar. Many contain less than 10 percent real fruit juice. The other 90 percent are sugar and water. One draw back is that the drink boxes are more expensive than frozen cans of juice concentrate, but the juice boxes travel well. Look for a children's cookbooks for lunch ideas. When I run out of lunch box ideas, I thumb through cookbooks for lunch suggestions. Lastly, remember that children will eat when they are hungry and they should be provided with appropriate choices. Children also eat more when they are in a growth spurt and less when their growth has plateaued. My sister gives in to her four year-old daughter at meal time. She makes a nice meal, but her daughter won't eat the regular meal like the rest of the family. My sister makes something else like a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich for her. Isn't it time her daughter start eating like the rest of the family?
You are right. Your sister's four year old has learned that if she is persistent, she will get what she wants.
I encourage parents to provide regular meal times and regular snack times for children. Snacks should be provided about two hours after meals. Offer appropriate foods during those times. Encourage children to taste each food offered and show them by your example, a bite of each food, especially vegetables. Never force children to sit at the table until they have cleaned their plates or have eaten all of a disliked food. Allow an appropriate amount of time for the child to eat (30 minutes maximum). When more food is ending up outside the child than inside, remove the food. Don't offer other food if the child refuses to eat. Children learn that if they hold out long enough that mom will give in to their wishes. Remember children will eat if they are hungry. Some exceptions to these guidelines are sick or underweight children. They should be offered food more often or as desired, especially their favorite foods. Your niece will learn that she will have to eat at meal time or go hungry until snack time. Your sister will have to be consistent to change her habit of giving into her daughter. The only vegetables my kids will eat are corn and beans. I like most others, but I'm the only one in the family that will eat other vegetables. How can I get them to try something else?
Your family's vegetable preferences are most common compared to other Americans. Corn and beans are probably the most liked vegetables. Broccoli, however, is making some headway as the number three best liked veggie.
I would guess that the rest of the adult family members only like corn and beans also. Children watch adult's reaction to different foods and learn what to like by watching their parents eat. If every time you serve spinach or asparagus, other adults say "yuk", your children will think, "oh if they don't like ...... , we shouldn't either". Also, children form their eating habits by age six. It is important to introduce new foods when children are young. Start out by serving raw carrots with a meal of their favorites, like hamburgers or chicken. Be positive and show by example, that carrots taste good. You need the other adults support on this. They need to try the new vegetable themselves. Don't ever force a child to eat all of this new food. Meal time may become a battle ground of testing wills. Give a child a small portion (one soup spoon full) and be encouraging to try one bite. Never force and don't criticize your child for eating slowly. In regard to trying new vegetables, most children prefer them raw. Some vegetables have a stronger flavor when cooked. Try carrots, celery, green pepper, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh peas or pea pods. Vegetables can be served raw with a dip or cooked with a cheese sauce at first. Don't overcook vegetables. Cook only until tender, not mushy. Try adding cooked peas or carrots to stews instead of just green beans. Change the vegetable you usually add to a casserole and don't get upset if your child picks them out. They will be watching for your reaction. According to the doctor's chart, my six year old son is 15 pounds overweight. Should I put him on a diet?
What did his doctor say about your son's weight? Was he/she concerned? How tall is he? Does his weight compare to his height?
In children, 0 to 18 years of age, their height should correlate to their weight. If he is at the 95% for weight, his height should be 25% more or less than the 95%. Any child that is overweight for age and height needs nutrition counseling We have learned that fat children make fat adults. You need to limit his food environment to basic foods like meat, milk, grains, fruits and vegetables. He needs to limit his food portions and stop eating when he is full. Don't put him on a weight loss diet. I would suggest holding his weight where he is now and let him grow into his weight. It may take two to four years for this increase in height. On the other hand, a weight loss diet could impair your child's brain development. Exercise should be increased which may correspondingly decrease more sedentary activities like television watching. My daughter is overweight and I am picky about what she eats. I pack her lunch for school, but she wants to eat school lunch. I'm concerned she will gain weight eating hot lunch at school.
You did not say how old your daughter is, but if she were in elementary school, I would suggest she have some input into deciding what she eats.
You did not say how much overweight your daughter is. A suggestion would be, let her try school lunch for one month and encourage her to choose fruit for dessert. After one month, if her weight is within three pounds of what she weighed before starting school lunch, she could try school lunch for one more month. If she gains more weight, you both should discuss bringing a bag lunch instead. Your daughter needs to be involved in this discussion if it is to be successful. Research has proven that when parents are the food restrictors for overweight children, the overweight kids tend to eat more and continue to gain weight. Your responsibility is to provide a positive food environment for your daughter. If you don't buy the salted snack foods and sweets for dessert, your daughter will be less likely to eat them. Your daughter's responsibility is to self-monitor her food intake. Initially, she may seem to eat more, but with time she will probably level off or even lose weight. Don't make a big deal out of the weight issue with her. You should leave some of the food choices up to your daughter or she will feel angry with you for depriving her. She needs to assume some responsibility for her food choices and weight control. She may also blame you for any weight gain since you are the one buying the food and serving it to her. School lunches should provide about one third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for children. From the printed school lunch menus I've seen in the newspaper, they are pretty good. Another important consideration is to offer food that children will eat. Researchers have looked at the food thrown away by students eating school lunch. Though the meal was balanced and nutritious, a lot of the food ended up in the garbage. A lot of popular foods like, hamburgers, pizza and tacos are now on school lunch menus because students like and eat them. My friends say my two year old son is overweight. He's 37 inches tall and 33 pounds. Are they right? Is he too fat?
Your son is tall for his age and his weight is appropriate for his height. No, he is not too fat. Your doctor can advise you if your son's weight becomes excessive for his height.
It is good that people are more conscious of the fact that fat babies make fat adults. However, weight reduction diets for children (ages 0 to 10) are not recommended. A very low calorie diet could impair optimal brain development. By the time a child is two, he has reached 50% of his adult brain size. From three to six years of age is the period of most rapid growth when his brain grows to 95% of adult brain size. New research from the National Institute of Health indicates that children's brains may increase up to age 15. If protein and/or calories are limited during that growth period, intelligence and/or potential height may be lower. Usually a height-weight assessment is made when an overweight child is identified. A goal of maintaining the current weight for several years may be made. This allows the child's height to catch up to their weight. A weight loss diet for a child should only be prescribed by a doctor, not a weight conscious adult. My two and a half year old son eats dirt and potting soil from my houseplant. He also sucks on rocks, but he spits them out when he's done. How can I get him to stop? Every time he's out of my sight, he gets into something. I've told him to stop and he has been spanked for eating dirt. He knows it's wrong and tries to sneak. Could there be something wrong with his diet?
Your son's eating of dirt and rocks is unusual. He could have pica, which is the eating of any non-food material. People with iron or zinc deficiencies often have pica. Its cause is not understood.
One of the first reports describing pica was about pregnant African American women in the South who ate red clay and laundry starch. It was discovered that they were iron deficient. Substantial doses of supplemental iron cured their iron deficiency and they stopped eating clay and starch. The danger from possible eating soil and rocks is a serious one. Get your son to his doctor for a thorough physical immediately. His habit may be difficult to break even after solving any nutritional deficiencies and will require careful supervision. |
