Reply to When to be alarmed about underweight child?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm assuming you mean 10th percentile on the growth charts, not BMI...

My kid was <5% his whole life and we/ped had no concerns - until anxiety spiked in 6th grade and he actually lost a small amount of weight.  Ped said then that it wasn't a serious issue yet but that if we couldn't turn it around in 6 months it would be more concerning.  TBH that was scary for me.  I met with a wonderful nutritionist and we got him back on his growth curve by the fall. (All in concert with therapy/treatment for the anxiety, too, of course.)

Her advice to us in a nutshell - all calories are good calories for this case, don't be afraid of liquid supplements or sugar if that's all he'll eat, add a multivitamin+iron for micronutrients.  It is HARD to let go when the only thing your kid will eat is Lucky Charms with whole milk or Reeses cups, but when it came down to that or nothing, we took it.  And lots of Ensure Plus / Boost Plus / Protein shakes.

It's still hard, his diet hasn't gotten significantly better / is still a work in progress, but he's gaining weight at a normal pace now and I'm learning to deal with the side eye I get from other parents who don't know the history there.

Good luck <3[/quote]

I'm not the OP but thank you for this. My son drinks pediasure every single day and I know I get a lot of side eye from other parents but he is literally in the 1% and it's the only way I have some assurance that he's getting nutrients and calories in. [/quote]

We're in the same boat. We always felt alone and frustrated until we found a nutritionist who said don't focus on how you think others are judging focus on getting calories into your son. If he'll eat it, give it.  [/quote]

Chiming to express appreciation for 15:00's post.  It took me a long time to get over the idea that nutrition had to be chewed - and I completely understand how hard it is to let it go when the only food your kid will eat is something you're judged for!

Don't lose hope!  I'm happy to report that my oldest kid (who's now 20 and in K would only eat PBJ) has a more well rounded palette.  He continues to have texture issues but he's far more willing to try new things - especially things his peers are eating.  I sometimes think his choices are questionable (he'll eat black beans straight out of can but not with any seasonings) but he's actually eating some vegetables and mixed foods (like chili and tacos). But, to keep me humble, I have another kid who pretty much will only eat pasta.  It's not as if DH and I haven't tried.  We have!  We also have a third kid who is NT that eats everything. 
 It's just the way it goes sometimes.  Hugs to all of you going through this.  [/quote]

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