What to Do When Your Middle School Daughter Won't Eat Much

Most parents will naturally resort to calling their daughter's pediatrician when they realize that she is not eating as much as she usually does. If she is not ill, don't be alarmed. There are many reasons that can interfere with your daughter's eating habits: appetite slump, unpleasant meal times, sibling rivalry and emotional instability. The first step toward resolving her problem is finding out the reason she is not eating much. Having a candid conversation with her can help.

  1. Diet Change

    • The unpredictable behavior of your middle school daughter can affect her eating habits. For instance, she can decrease her food intake because her best friend won̵7;t eat much during school lunch breaks. It could be because the meals at home are too predictable, or you rarely cook her favorite meal. Changing her diet or involving her in preparing meals can help her start eating more again. According to experts at Kidshealhealth.com, cooking together with your school age kids lays the foundation for healthy eating habits later on. If a diet change is necessary, get her views on the type of meals she wants on her plate, and talk her through their nutritional benefits.

    Educate

    • Most middle school children do not have sufficient knowledge on the role of nutrients in their growth. Teach your daughter about the importance of vitamins and minerals. If she persists in eating pizza or chicken, educate her about the dangers of fast foods and excessive protein. The University of Michigan asserts that learning about healthy nutritional practices has several positive implications for a student̵7;s physical well-being. Although most schools offer nutritional education, you have to play your part in enlightening your daughter about nutrition. The quality of nutritional education she has can improve her eating habits.

    Set an Example

    • If you have poor eating habits like having meals at irregular times, your daughter could be learning from you. When you are eating healthily, it is easier to help your middle school daughter when she won̵7;t eat much. In a 2011 article published on its website, the University of Florida advises parents to go food shopping together with their kids, encourage physical activities and focus on each other at the dining table. Set a healthy example by eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains with meals or snacks. Let your child see that you like to eat raw vegetables. When you set a healthy example, your daughter will always eat to her fill, unless she is ill.

    Therapy

    • Your middle school daughter's physical appearance can influence her feeding habits. For instance, if she is obese or overweight -- even if it's an untrue self-perception -- she could be mentally disturbed about it. Girls who are emotionally unstable or depressed can experience an appetite slump, eating less as a result. Discuss the issue with your daughter and make her understand that some of her friends who are heavier than she is eat to their fill. However, if all your efforts are fruitless, take her to a pediatrician or child psychologist for expert examination and therapeutic treatment. A 2007 report published in the "Primary Care Companion Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" asserts that issues of weight change in women pose health risks with psychological effects that need the attention of mental health professionals.

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