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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We have a small 10.5 year old.  We have worked hard for 2 years and gotten her to around 53 inches, 60 pounds, by counting calories.  She gained 10 pounds this year. We aim for 1600-1800 calories every day.  It is hard but you put in calories and you grow.  We have tried so hard to avoid a feeding tube.  She has a complicated medical history.  We were surprised at how little caloric intake she took in before we started writing it down.  It is hard work but she is growing taller and gaining weight.  Her BMI is now at the low end of normal finally.  She is finally on the growth chart for height and weight.  We supplement with carnation instant breakfast drink with whole milk at breakfast (we used to do heavy whipping cream).  We do ice cream dessert at night.  We have increased protein and fruit.  We put a lot of cheddar cheese in her grilled cheese sandwiches.  She eats baked chicken and rice a few times a week.  She eats broccoli a few times a week.

If you aren't tracking her calories, you may not realize how few calories she is eating.  Brain development requires significant caloric intake.  The opportunity for brain development is not unlimited.  If you can't get in the calories everyday, you should do a feeding tube.  [/quote]

10 lbs is amazing!  Honestly, 53 inches and 60 lbs doesn't sound that small to me.  My DD is almost 9 - 49 inches and 46 lbs.  We aren't quite where the OP is but it's not out of the realm of possibility.  Can you or others share what you make for lunch for them to take to school?  Those are long days and I think that's where she lacks her calories.  Thanks.[/quote]

I’m the poster after you. Here’s what we send in for our daughter: we make 4 Oz raw ground beef (then cook it) + 1/2 cup jarred sauce (found a brand with 11.5 grams of fat per serving - the highest the store had). One cup cooked pasta. Mix together then put in thermos. Also 1/2 cup cottage cheese in Tupperware.

You can get accommodations that day that a teacher or counselor supervises her lunch to make sure she finishes each day. Alternatively, you can go in and supervise. What I learned is that this is no joke and there can be life long impacts on bone density, etc. Its worth it to stay on top of it get ahead on this.[/quote]

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