HOW CAN PARENTS HELP AN UNDERWEIGHT CHILD?
A child who is too thin needs the same emotional support as one who is too heavy. Discussing the size of the other family members and visiting with a pediatrician can help put the child’s size into perspective and provide a basis for reminding children that individuals grow at different rates. Growing slowly is not bad. However, whenever a child shows a sudden weight drop, other medical or emotional problems can be suspected. Professional help from a pediatrician, dietitian, or child psychologist may be necessary. WHAT CAN PARENT DO TO HELP CHILDREN REACH AND MAINTAIN THEIR BEST WEIGHT? Parents and their caregiving substitutes have three responsibilities in feeding children. 1. Parents need to offer the child a variety of nutritious foods at regular intervals. Planned meals and snacks give the child regular sources of energy, help the child to develop sensible eating patterns, and encourage the child to learn correct food behavior in social situations. Studies of overweight children in
