Why Isn’t My Child Eating at School ?
Cannot Open the Packaging
The simplest reason your child may not be eating their food at school is because they are struggling to open the packaging or containers!
You can help your child by having them practice opening bags, containers, zippers, and bars at home! See what they have mastered and what they could use practice with. Only send the containers they’ve mastered to school and cut all packages that are harder to open!
The Lunch/Snack Area is too Noisy
Children who are sensitive to noise and sounds may become overwhelmed or too distracted to eat. When your child’s body is overstimulated, their hunger cues could be suppressed.
You can help your child by communicating with your child’s school. Often schools are very accommodating and will help you problem solve! You can let your school know that your child is struggling to gain weight/consume enough nutrition during the day. Here are a few things you could ask them:
to take some data for 10 school days on what your child consumes in the day.
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, ask if all team members can take notes!
If there is a quieter area your child can trial to see if they eat more in a quiet space
Use noise canceling headphones
Too Little Time/Schedule Conflicts
Social butterflies or slow chewers often have a harder time consuming enough food in the time allotted in a school lunch period. Advocate for your child to have an extra snack or extra time to eat before or after their lunch. If your child is extra social, see if they can sit at the end of the table with only 1 or 2 peers next to them!
If your child is receiving other services or specials, they may be pulled during a snack time. Ensure your child’s team knows that those snacks are important so they can be eaten during the sessions.
Medications for ADD/ADHD are Suppressing Appetite
If your child is taking a stimulant drug or amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, one of the side effects can be appetite suppression. Typically, those medications are taken at a time that allows your child to increase their attention/focus during their school day, thus having a decrease in appetite.
Here are a few suggestions to help your child:
Encourage calorie/nutrient dense foods in the morning before taking the medication
Allow later calorie/nutrient dense meal (late dinner) after your child’s medication has worn off
Send smaller high calorie/low volume snacks for school
Discuss use of appetite enhancer with your child’s gastroenterologist or the professional that prescribes the ADD/ADHD medications
If you would like help navigating your child’s school food consumption please contact us for a free 15 minute consultation.
