He has been sick during this time as well, and who knows, they probably go hand in hand. Not feeling well, so acting up, and vice versa. I finally took him to the doc today and so far there is nothing the Docs can do, besides change up his allergy meds and do more asthma meds. They think that is the problem, but if it turns into a sinus infection (which it very well may) then we will go from there.
The thing that we are more worried about is, the little man has lost 4 pounds! 4 pounds! That may not sound like a lot to some, but for a little guy like Jared who was already only 35ish pounds at 4 and 1/2 it is a substantial loss. He is in the 5th % for his age. How to turn it around I don't know. He cries, screams, argues and says he would rather just go to bed then eat. I'm really at a loss of what to do about it. I really don't want to rely on Pediasure again, but if we have to we will.
I love this little man, but I'm so at my wits end of how to turn things around. I've tried everything I can think of, but nothing has helped so far. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
3 comments:
It must be very hard to have Jared acting this way since our instinct as Mommas is to nourish and thoroughly! I would definitely suggest a chewable multivitamin to start to make sure he's at least getting some vitamins and minerals...Sidney's MD suggested this as well as little man is VERY picky! I think it brings me some peace of mind knowing he is getting something of value everyday. Also, whip out all the fatty things you can tempt him with like whole milk, ice cream, and any favorite flavors like chocolate or strawberry. Milkshakes have calcium, Vitamin D and some fat to regain that 4 pounds. I also learned with Sidney that if he helps me cook or make food, he is more likely to eat it himself, especially if he also makes it for Phia and Daddy and we all eat together.
I am also curious, is he pooping adequately? I know less in will equal less out, but is he unusually constipated? Diarrhea? Funny color, smell, or even consistency? Poop can tell us so many things! Does he complain about stomach pains or cramps or anything? How does his tummy feel to you? Soft and tickly or hard and ouchy?
As for the not listening, it may very well be how he is manifesting his symptoms if something is wrong in that little body. It may also be sheer brattiness...Sidney amazes me at how trying he can be and he's not too far behind Jared in age! My sister implemented something interesting before their third baby is coming...she has Mommy-time for each girl at night...dedicated time for books, painting nails, singing, whatever floats their boat. I think they do like 30 minutes or so of this time and it has made a HUGE difference with Hannah's attitude. Maybe he just needs some dedicated Mommy or Daddy time without any sisters around.
I don't feel like I've been especially helpful but I do feel your frustration...I will be praying for your family! And that Jared will gain some weight!
Oh that has to be so frustrating! I am sorry. I had a friend whose little girl was in a similar boat as Jared. Same as Erica said, whip out the fattiest foods even if he is eating ice cream for dinner, he'll gain something back. Having my kids help with making dinner also helps them eat it...not all the time, but most of it, same with at the grocery store. Have him pick out foods and help open them or prepare them. Does he have issues with consistency of food? Go back to making baby food. Normal food you guys would eat but blend it up. Make a chart, like a chore chart. When he successfully eats that meal he can put a sticker on the chart and do some reward system (that was on a Super Nanny episode). Good Luck!
Hey Carolyn! Just read your post here. I've been out of town for the past week. I like the suggestions given here. If I think of something new, I'll definitely pass it along. Will he eat peanut butter? What I love about it is that it's packed with protein AND has a lot of fat. My kids will eat it on a spoon. Hope you find a solution soon...
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