Is your child too small? Does he not eat enough?

Why do you think your child doesn’t eat enough?

Why do you think he is too small?

What does his growth chart say?

Does his weight follow close to the same line?

Chances are, there is no problem:

Some children are just small, others are big.
Children know how much they need to eat.
Some children don’t eat much, others eat a lot.
Children eat more one day than another.
Most thin children fill out when they get older.

Be careful not to get pushy with feeding. Your child will push right back, and eat less, not more. Struggles about eating will make him too small. Instead, trust him to eat and grow the way that is right for him.

Here is what to—and not do—to help your child to eat and grow well:

Feed him the best way. Have him join in with regular family meals and sit-down snacks at set times.

Don’t wait for him to ask for food. Don’t feed or give drinks (except water) on the run.

Have the same meal for everyone. Include high-fat and low-fat food.

Don’t have low-fat meals. Don’t push high fat food. Don’t give special food.

Let him eat little or much. Let him down from the table even if he doesn’t eat.

Don’t try to get him to eat more than he wants. Don’t give him other food right after the meal.

Let him eat little or much. Let him down from the table even if he doesn’t eat.

Don’t try to get him to eat more than he wants. Don’t give him other food right after the meal.

Eat with him. Talk with him. Be easy-going company while he eats.

Don’t leave him to eat alone. Don’t ignore him. Don’t talk too much. Don’t mess with his food. Don’t watch TV during meals.

Include “forbidden” foods at family meals and sit-down snacks.

Don’t push high-calorie treats. Don’t give treat handouts.

Keep your nerve; let him grow his way.

Don’t try to get him to grow your way.