Expert: Ryan Hale - 12/10/2009

Question
I have a 6 yr old boy. He has never been a good eater.  I'm concerned because his eating habits are really becoming poor and I'm getting concerned about his health.  He is constantly distracted or will tell you he doesn't care if he ever eats.  He never has a problem eating treats.  I'm sure that is common with all children, however, he will really be fine if we let him not eat and will even opt to go to bed without eating if we let him.  Is this typical or should I be concerned that he has a problem with eating? He typically chews food for a good couple of minutes before he will even swallow it. I'm not sure if he has an issue with his throat.  He actually prefers drinking over eating and that has been the case his whole life.  Even as a baby he would drink more than eat. Thoughts? Advise?

Answer
Denise- Your little boy may be eating just the amount he needs (a little more one day and a little less the next) or after a growth spurt, the smaller amount that he may be eating is surprising given that he may have eaten like a horse the month leading up to it.  Make sure you are not obsessive about food yourself.  I met a woman at a Christmas party the other day who introduced her son saying, "This is Evan (not his real name), he is allegoric to eggs, soy, dairy, doesn't test positive for gluten but is sensitive to it."  I thought, "this is how you introduce your child to the world?"  So, look at your own behavior around food as well and see if it is something he may be applying to his own life.  It is horrible to label kids, especially so early in life, but if he has some attention issues, it could be due to that.  I worked with a mother whose daughter would be so busy socializing and anticipating recess after lunch that she would forget to eat.  It could be something like that for your son.  Talk to your pediatrician (not just a general practitioner).  It may be appropriate for him to see someone who specializes in child psychology.  For now though, try to look at your own attitudes about food, try to make a habit out of meal time and what goes on at that time, ask the teachers at school how he is doing at lunch, talk to your child's doctor and get him checked out for a physical problem that could be the cause.  You say he likes to drink... if his calories are coming from things like chocolate milk, juice or soda, that could be a cause of the not eating as well.