Skinny 9yo wouldn't eat anything

[yousolucky]

Just had massive argument with DH, who has come home from work and asked our 9yo DC what has he eaten. DC said 'nothing' so DH took him to McDonald's, as that's what DC wanted. Our nearest 20mins away was shut, so they drove to another for additional 15mins and, upon coming home, my DH started going at me for not feeding our DC, who is skinny. We have another DC, who is normal weight and is 12yo. The 9yo refuses to eat ANYTHING at the moment, for about 3 weeks now. He is ok in himself, not ill or anything. In the morning he ate half of a home-made pancake, at lunch he ate whole long cucumber with tiny bit of salt- he could eat just cucumbers if I let him, and refused home-made crispy chicken in breadcrumbs, some mixed Green vegetables (wasn't expecting him to eat veg, tbh) and some lentils/chickpeas mix. Had half an apple (skin off and sliced- he wouldn't touch it otherwise!), 1 tangerine and some melon.
Didn't want any yogurt, cheese or home-made strawberry milkshake.
Other DC (12yo) ate normally all day.
I am at my wits end with my 9yo and now I have to deal with DH and his accusations of 'not feeding him'!
AIBU to just ignore my DH and cook normally and offer food to my 9yo. I feel guilty constantly for my DC not eating my home-made food.

Is the not eating a new thing or is it typical for him?

If its a new thing then look at what could be causing it - the heat, bullying, self-esteem issues, illness, toothache, etc. In the mea

Well dh needs to back off you here. You made loads of options available. But it's worrying he won't eat.
I wouldn't start buying McDonald's thorough (no judgement at all) as it seems to regard the fussiness.

Pressed send too soon.

In the meantime let him eat what he'll eat, if that's cucumbers then so be it.

If its an ongoing thing then I'd recommend seeking a dietician referral from your GP to look more closely at his diet and ti get some professional advice, particularly if he is underweight. Your GP may also want to investigate to rule out any underlying causes. In the meantime the same advice applies, let him eat what he'll eat as some less than ideal calories are better than none at all.

Sounds like there is something going on here with your 9 year old. Do you think it's related to particular tastes or textures?

Did the 9yo eat the McDonalds?

Hmm I'm on your dhs side, he does have to eat - everyone does.

Has he lost weight?

'* Is the not eating a new thing or is it typical for him?'*
*

• He has never been a 'good eater' but these past 2-3 weeks is especially hard. We went on holiday 2 weeks ago and we mainly ate out every day. Feels as if my DC only want to eat 'outside food'. He even refusing simple pasta at home. My beef is not with my DC, it's with my DH, who has accused me for not feeding our DC, when for the last 2-3 weeks I have no idea WHAT to offer him, as he's refusing everything :(

Yes, finished his chicken wrap and half of chips. He was hungry...for McD

DC did not lose any weight, but has had growth-spur, so looks even skinnier than before.
He still plays with his toy trains and cars, a bit of football with his dad in the garden in the evening- nothing changed, he is ok in himself. Just tells me he's not hungry:(

Could you put him in a tonic / multivitamin if he's not in one already. Minidex is good for increasing appetite

It sounds like he has gone into a calorie deficit which can (for some kids) trigger further restriction of food.

Personally at the moment I would focus on getting calories into him so let him eat whatever he wants, hopefully once he is back in the habit of eating and has gained a bit of weight, you can focus on getting it more balanced.

If he finds eating biscuits, crisps, chips etc easier then go with it.

Why don't you all sit down together and plan some menus, on strict condition it has to all be made at home. Then H can see how difficult it is with DS. Cheek of him to blame you.

I’d be concerned as to why he is not eating. Other child eating normally is irrelevant really. Make sure he is taking daily vitamins to supplement the days he is fussy.