Children's nutrition - specifically regarding milk?

Question

Hi! I was wondering if I could get some feedback regarding my son and milk (cow's). He LOVES milk. But someone (in the medical field) suggested to us that maybe we should cut back on his milk. He gets two cups a day: one in the morning and one before bedtime. He is ten years old, weighs 58 pounds, average-to-high for his height. He is VERY energetic, and gets terrific grades in school (majority As, a couple of Bs). He hardly ever gets sick, except he DOES have seasonal allergies (Spring and Fall). Our concern is his weight. We have to bribe him to eat - he is also VERY picky. He loves breads, fruits, and vegetables-our problem is getting him to eat protein. By the way, his father was a "stick" as a kid, and so was I. We have one older child, a son. Our eldest is 25 yrs (there was a miscarriage in between). Our eldest son was the same way; he was a "stick" as a child also. But then something "happened" when he turned 17 yrs-I couldn't keep enough food in the house-he ate everything.

Answer 1

If your concern is weight, then it all comes down to calories.  Ask your doctor how many calories a day your son should be getting, and make sure he's not getting more than that!  Milk is certainly good for you, and I don't see anything wrong with getting a significant percentage of his calories from it, as long as it's not the majority of his calories.  If he already loves fruit and veggies, it sounds like you've got him on the right track!

Answer 2

I think people are reading you feel your sons too heavy. You mean just the opposite, correct?

Milk twice a day is no problem and he doesn't need 2% as thin as he is. One of my grandsons had to be taken off, or cut way back on milk because he did not eat.

Your sons eating and he sounds healthy. I'd bet he's ready to hit the can't fill him up stage soon. My boys started eating like horses between 10 and 12. I would go by what happened with your older son unless the doctors seem concerned.

My 11 y/o grand daughter is just starting to fill out. i used to swear she could do adds for under-nourished kids except no pot belly. Her rib cage was so pronounced it scared me. She can eat so much it amazes me. Just a could metabolism I guess. She is 5 feet tall and just under 70lbs.

Answer 3

Hm... the milk SHOULD be fine. Make sure you switch to Organic if he's going to drink a lot though.

For protein, he can get that from beans, chicken, strawberries, etc. Here's a good list: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/gu...

Good luck!

Answer 4

I give my son 2% milk ever since he turned 5. As long as he is eating eggs or nuggets, should be okay with protein.. My son is also 10 now and doesn't often eat meat.. except for burgers.. and as he was also growing up, he too was a stick.. but with burgers now and then, I think his weight is getting better.. Of course, he eats cereal in the morning and sometimes cereal at night..salads now and then, and granny smith apple. the sour the better.. I think your son is doing fine. Just give him 2% milk instead of the regular..Nutrition wise too..

Answer 5

2 cups a day of milk isn't all that much.  It shouldn't be interfering with his eating.