You said homework load is crazy- at 11??? How much are we talking about?

I'd check iron and vitamin d levels I would also check for type 1 diabetes-it is an easy test and doctors often don't think to do it.

Vitamin D deficiency? It is more common and very debilitating, people just don't know that much about it.

Anonymous wrote:It really could be any of these things. I seriously doubt weed. I'm going to look for a vitamin for vegetarians and see if we can move up her checkup to next week.

Thanks all!

I would suggest more than a vitamin. VEGA Shakes have vitamins, minerals, and pea protein (vs dairy, gluten, or soy).

It really could be any of these things. I seriously doubt weed. I'm going to look for a vitamin for vegetarians and see if we can move up her checkup to next week.

Thanks all!

Anonymous wrote:Look up allergic shiner. She might have an allergy or a sinus issue that is causing the dark circles.

This. Maybe too much dairy?

^^ oops. WITHOUT depleting nutrients.

I went veg when I was 12, and no it never was an eating disorder. I also never got anemia because I ate a lot of greens.

I would say make sure she's getting protein from lots of sources, not just soy; beans, legumes, and whole grains are great. Also, is her blood type O? Sometimes O vegetarians health suffers and have to really find a plan that works with depleting micronutrients (minerals and vitamins).

It obviously could be any number of things, and without knowing more it's hard to say. However, I will share that my son went through a period in either 7th or 8th grade where he looked worn down and seriously underweight. It was right around the time of a growth spurt. We took him to the pediatrician, who agreed he was underweight but suggested giving it a few months. By the following year he'd filled out into his height and looked much healthier. I will say he's prone to dark eye circles, so maybe that was part of it too.

Hi OP,

For a lot of kids with eating disorders, becoming vegetarian is one of the first symptoms parents can think back to. If I were you I would go in for a check up at the ped to make your your DD is still on her growth curve.
Also, she could be anemic so they could check that out too.
Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:I had a friend in college who went veg and was eating a lot of cold cereal, not being careful about getting a healthy balance. She passed out and hit her head on the bathroom sink. Turned out it was anemia, iron supplements and a better diet were a big help.
Could also be she's smoking weed behind your back.

Weed at 10 years old? Is this a thing??

My first thought was she is reading late at night, maybe with a flashlight? Or playing with a phone or iPad unauthorized. Or it could be some kind of lingering infection, ear infection or walking pneumonia from a cold she never shook off.