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From your measurements her weight is between the 75-50th percentile for her age which is normal. She must be eating enough to have a good weight like that. It can be frustrating when your child does not eat well. You did not mention OT for swallowing/ chewing problems? Some children just do not know how to do it and need to be taught. They need to learn how to chew and swallow food properly; it is not really an instinct behavior like sucking. If she is having difficulty suggest having her evaluated. If she is drinking milk recommend giving her milkshakes (milk and ice cream blended) and/or yogurt smoothies (yogurt ice cream and fruit blended) in place of milk at meals and snacks for calories and protein so she will not lose weight. Engage her in helping you in the kitchen. At almost 6 years old they can put the napkins and spoons on the table when you are setting it. Have her put the ice cream in the blender when you make the milkshakes. Sometimes engaging children with food will help increase their intake of food. Suggest using the table as a family for fun games and social activities so she gets used to the table too. The most important thing is to relax at meals. It is frustrating and it becomes the battle of the wits between your child and you. Forcing a child to eat will not work. Let her eat what she wants even if it is not nutritional sound. It is ok if she does not want certain foods just let it go. Eventually she will eat. Recommend further suggestions from the Child Behavior Forum. Hoped this helped you

2014-10-31 04:00:00

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