10 year old not eating during day

[skyisbright]

i am worried about my 10 year old girl, she eats breakfast with me at about 7 and then eats nothing else all day at school until she gets home about 3.
We give her a lunch that she says she wants, but she says she is not hungry or doesn't have time to eat. She will eat dinner usually and does have a sweet tooth but treats are limited to the weekend. She is very thin (it runs in the family - my husbands side not me!) and very active.
I don't want to make a big deal. I am already concerned about how many comments she gets about how thin she is. But i'm not sure i can ignore either.

Any thoughts please

[EustaciaVye]

Worth checking she isn't anxious about the lunch time environment - noisy, crowded, dirty etc.

I have a similar issue with my dd so will follow the thread with interest for any tips...

[caitlinohara]

I agree this is likely to be to do with the environment at school. Ds is very much the same. If she makes up for it at home then I wouldn't worry too much and don't let people comment on her being thin in front of her, this is every bit as bad as calling someone fat, whatever people say. If she is active and has plenty of energy she is probably fine.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I'd definitely try to get to the bottom of why she's not eating, you need to make sure her friends aren't discouraging her.

This guide from the Caroline Walker Trust gives information on what types of food she should be having and portion sizes. Would you say she's having roughly the amount they suggest even if it's not at the usual times?

[Karid1496]

My Dd12 is quite similar, she only has a waffle and apple at school. She has always been a fussy eater so has taken a packed lunch, however since going to high school she has become very self conscious and refuses to take anything. It worries me to no end but we've made a compromise that when she's home she eats a big tea and proper food (not just quick fix snacks) and she has to takes vitamins. It's a hard age so it could possibly be the school environment that's affecting your child too. Xxx

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Karid I'd find that really worrying if it was my DD.

Do you all sit together while you eat? Is she definitely eating the meal? Does she go to the toilet shortly after?

It might be worth having a look at this bookk*

[Karid1496]

@jiltedjohnsjulie it does worry me but I also get that she's at an age where they can be very self conscious. It's only when she's at school, at home we all have our meals together and there are no trips to the toilet after it. I'll maybe give that book a wee look though, good to keep an eye on these things. Xx

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Otho k it's a good idea to have a look at the book and keep an eye on the situation.

I know a lot of people think it's a normal part of growing up but I honestly don't.

Could you do some simple things like getting rid of the scales, if you have any, and blocking certain words on her devices like weight and anorexia?

Does she do any sport? My DD does and I remind her when I remember what a beautiful strong body she has.

[Karid1496]

Yeah, she does street dance twice a week. She eats a proper lunch at the weekend which makes me think it's just the school, all her pals buy a lunch in and she's the only one that took a packed lunch. Will defo keep an eye on it though, wouldn't want it to turn into a tougher situation. Xxx