I have a question regarding my
girlfriend's 10yr old daughter (one of
twins). Normal build for her age, though
it is noticeable that she is slightly
smaller than her twin, who eats normally.
Meal times is becoming a struggle!
The crux of the problem is she eats very
slowly and it has been noticed that she
still continues to put food into her
mouth, though having not yet swallowed the
previous mouthful, she does eventually
swallow some but her cheeks resemble that
of a hamster's!! But just chews and chews,
whilst has said contine to fill her mouth
with food.
This behaviour occurs to a variety of
foods but predominately at evening meal
time. The other 5 members of the family
all eat at a moderate speed and finish
their meals normally, yet X will eat her's
slowly (which is her prerogative) but we
could all be waiting an extra 30mins
sometimes, this is also on top of her
amounts that are on her plate have been
reduced.
However put something nice and tasty
delicious before her (such as ice cream or
sweets) and there is no evidence of the
fore mentioned behaviour.
When quizzed on this eating habit, she has
no answers though did once approach about
not liking to swallow stuff ...and it has
come to light very recently that her Dad
said he was tubby when a child!! I should
mention that this has happened before but
the problem seem to have disappeared or so
we thought.
So is this some sort of real food disorder
or maybe a psychological problem, any
advice or previous experience on this
issue would be greatly appreciated.
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mominashoe
Moderator
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 1774 Location: , KS USA
Thanks: 40
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Posted: 05-19-08 18:41pm
It seems like a psychological problem to
me, especially since she is mechanically
able to chew and swallow any kind of food,
however slowly. And then again, she is
able to eat sweets. Eating slowly is not
a bad thing, but keeping it in your mouth
for too long is a concern. She could end
up choking. Do you think that maybe she
is too tired by the end of the day to eat
normally? Does she mention any pain when
she swallows or chews?
Maybe you should try blending up all her
food and see if she is able to eat it
better that way...it doesn't taste as
good, doesn't look as good, and maybe if
she realizes that that is the only thing
she will get if she doesn't change her
habits, she will start eating normally.
Worth a try: let me know.
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mr prezident
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 3
Posted: 05-23-08 11:33am
Thank you for the reply. As far as we are
aware she does not have any pain (only in
my neck!) or discomfort when eating or
swallowing. As to being tired at the end
of the day well interesting point I hadn't
fully considered that view, though as a
10yr she is fully vibrant when she gets
through the door and wants out with her
sis to play asap. But she has been tired
on one or two occasions so could be put
down to being irritable or a contributing
factor!
There as been a slight improvement of
late, as she is fully aware the spotlight
is upon her and all snacks after school
are now denied, which causes a certain
amount of tears. So she is genuinely
hungry at the table or at least I think
she is! Still considerably slow and still
'pouching' her food but she seems to be
making progress, portions are still small
compared to the rest of us.
I like the idea of blending her food lol
even suggested it once, she didnt
appreciate it;) but as I tend to do the
cooking it seems to be a lot of effort and
gives her in one respect the focus of
attention.
We are also going down the road of bad
eating habits can lead to poor health
problems and shown her pic's on the net of
ultra skinny models/women etc, I know it's
scare tactic's but just trying to give
senses a jolt!
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mominashoe
Moderator
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 1774 Location: , KS USA
Thanks: 40
Thanked:24
Posted: 05-23-08 16:59pm
Well hopefully all you are trying works!
I do agree with your not giving her a
snack when she gets home from school so
that she will actually eat at dinner.
Those skinny models are difnitely walking
skeletons. You'd think the fashion
artists were crypt keepers!
Best of luck with your daughter. If
there's anything else, let me know.
