How many calories does a 6 year old need?

[Cherrycheesecakes]

How many calories does a 6 year old need? I have had a child come into my care who needs to lose some weight. This will be monitored but not been given any advice on how to do it.

They have some trauma issues around food and seek it out all the time.

How many calories do they need to have a day? I’ve never had to monitor a child so closely but feel I need to measure portion sizes etc.

I am also trying to increase their activity level.

Is it a long term thing?

From everything I've seen, restricting portion sizes is AWFUL - especially if the child has trauma around food. Why not focus more on healthy fruits/veggies and balancing portions with as much safe/healthy food as they will eat, plus some extras. I really think you want to start with the trauma/making sure they feel safe before you try and 'fix' a weight problem. It's not as simple as refusing to feed them after they've eaten what you think is acceptable!

Kids Eat In Colour is amazing at dealing with children's eating in a really holistic and healthy way. Highly recommend you have a look at her Instagram/website/resources.

Ho many calories they need can vary according to how active they are and which sec they are.

Caroline Walker has a good guide here.

Having said that though I'm not sure how you would help a child who has trauma around food.

It might be worth asking in the Fostering Section

If they’ve just come into your care and have trauma and seek food for comfort, I’d probably not take that food away.
If I suddenly had a whole life change and emotional upheaval I wouldn’t start a diet at the same time, I can only imagine it would be worse for someone that eats for comfort.
Instead I’d focus on helping them feel comfortable and upping their exercise (through play) and talk about food that gives us energy, and not ever speak about restriction or bad food.