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What do you do if a 10 year old does not eat ???

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Leave them alone - they'll eat when they are hungry.
Report (0) (0) | earlier
If he/she is underweight you need to consult a doctor.

If the child is simply being picky you need to set the food before them and they must sit there until they eat at least some of it - and no treats or anything until they eat what has been put before them.

Dealing with food fads is something that needs to be sorted out early in a child's life and then the policy stuck too no matter what tricks they try!
Report (0) (0) | earlier
take her to a specialist
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Depends on why s/he isn't eating. Is it a weight issue thing? This is the age when girls start to understand that skinny is s**y in our society and will start to 'diet'. Or is it because s/he is a picky eater? In my house my 3 and 4 year olds know that they get what's for dinner and if they choose not to eat they go to bed hungry. We don't make them an alternative dinner just because they don't like somthing. That's how tastes are severely limited and picky eaters are developed. Additionally they need various kinds of foods to get nutrients in. My SIL's nephew eats only PB&J and waffles I think...he used to eat chicken nuggets too but has since stopped eating those...but anyway- at 8 years old his eyes are sunken in and he truly looks like he is lacking in nutrition. They need a balance of proteins, carbs, vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc., etc. and that has to be accomplished through a well-balanced and well-rounded diet.

As always if you are truly concerned about the situation talk to your pediatrician. They can tell you is there is reason for concern as well as give you other ideas on helping to get him/her back on track.

Best of luck!
Report (0) (0) | earlier
They won't starve to death;-} take the food away for now.

Just make sure they are not eating other junk instead.

This is probably a power play for control;-{ you can't lose.
Report (0) (0) | earlier
I would make them eat. They are 10.
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I think that most of the answers that advise on taking him to a doctor or specialist are jumping ahead or reading into the question.  You do not say what steps you have taken to determine if it is a physical problem, if the child simply doesn't like what he is being served,  or if he has being eating throughout the day (without your knowledge) and is simply not hungry at mealtime.

Our 10 year old is a very picky eater.  Anything that is sweet he'll eat.  We limit his snacks and other treats until he has eaten a nutritionous meal.
Report (0) (0) |   earlier
It depends on why they aren't eating. Do they have pain? An eating disorder? Picky? If they have pain or an eating disorder, they should be seen by a doctor asap. If they are picky, then I would just keep introducing foods and make some of their faves. You could also supplement with Pediasure.
Report (0) (0) | earlier
if this has been going on for a while now then i would tell you to get him into the dr to get checked out. other then that i would go ahead and make him eat.
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THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS TAKE HIM/HER TO A DOCTOR FIND OUT WHY IS THIS PROBLEM AND IF THEY ARE HEALTHY. IF THE DOCTOR FINDS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CHILD THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULD COMPROMISE WITH HIM/HER. FOR EXAMPLE DO NOT LET YOUR CHILD EAT ANY SNACKS LET THEM KNOW THAT AS LONG AS HE/SHE DONT EST THE PROPER FOOD THEN THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO EAT ANY CANDY, CHIPS, ETC. YOU COULD ALSO TRY TAKING SOME THING AWAY LIKE TOYS OR A TV. I KNOW IT SOUNDS A LITTLE HARSH BUT EATING IS REALLY IMPORTANT SPECIALLY AT THIS AGE. ANOTHER THING YOU COULD TRY IS TO MAKE FUN FOODS.
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Think of positive and negative reinforcements!

Such as..

If your child loves games- you take it away- that's negative.

If your child loves T.V.- you tell them if you eat it all, you can watch T.V. for another 15-30 minutes before bedtime.- that's positive.

Hope that helps!!
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Okay i've been through this.. first you have to determine why he is not eating.

If he is not eating because he don't like the food then include him in on making it. Give himthe experience on making their own food only they know what they like and dislike.

Now if they are not eating because they are to busy having fun. Let him know if he does not eat he won't be able to play until he eats all of his food..

Now if he is not eating cause it hurts his stomach definitley call your physician. He may have a digestive problem...

I hope this helps!! :)
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