Helping two kids gain weight and one lose

[amy_b]

I'm having a food quandry. My pediatrician and my pulmonologist have said that my younger two kids are underweight. They eat healthy food, but I pretty much have to force them to eat.

How do you encourage two kids to eat more and encourage one kid to stop when she's full? Should I just be honest with the whole family? Here's the deal- Mom, Dad and Daughter #1 do not need to gain weight. Son and Daughter #2 DO need to gain weight.

Any suggestions for tactics or food?

 

[sarahinva]

Maybe you could ask your pediatrician what he/she thinks about giving the two underweight kids a protein shake per day. I know it's not the very best source of protein, but if they don't eat, maybe you could "trick" them into thinking they were getting a treat and half one serving between the two. Just a thought ~ I have no idea if it would even be safe for little ones to drink them or not. I'd definitely run it by the pediatrician first though.

Sarah

 

[Timber99]

Wow, all I keep thinking is "at that the same time?"

Definitely check with the doctor on this one b/c it is going to be a challenge. Is this something that they will grow into or out of in time w/out much intervention on your part? Sometimes just teaching kids healthy habits for the long run will take them through several phases where they are chunky or thin but in the end, all is well.

I think that you should talk to your children individually about themselves. To the one that needs to lose, you can talk about stopping when she is full and healthier choices, etc. To the others, you can talk about other options for adding a little bulk. Since their needs are individual, the chats can be too! There might be benefit from a second conversation with everyone as a whole too.

Good luck! I am sure the ladies w/families can help you more on this one

Christine