Grumpy Six-Year-Old If Hungry

My four-year-old is the same. I keep peanut-butter crackers and granola bars in my van for just that need. The worst is when he doesn't eat dinner because he doesn't like it. We have a "eat what we eat, or have nothing" rule. After him not eating dinner, it can be very trying. He usually goes to bed early because of it. You can get like 10 packs of Ritz peanut butter cracker "sandwiches" at the store. They're the best tasting. I sometimes need to eat quickly, too! So, your one twin is like that, but not the other? Interesting.

Hi S.!

Sounds like a lot of kids I know!

It is best to make sure he gets really high protein meals that will stay with him over time! Any carbs should be whole grains and very complex! Processed foods are also easier to break down and will not sustain him for very long - so avoid morning breakfast cereals!

It sounds like he is going through a growth spurt! It is wonderful that he is able to tell you that he is hungry and gives you warning. I think it would be fine to have him participate and ask him to make sure he has a snack - like nuts, beef jerky, or other hearty snacks!

Best wishes!
S. M.
The Cerebellum Center
www.cerebellumcenter.com

I have a 14 yr old daughter like that. We had a complete blood workup done on her to make sure everything was ok, which it is.

She is not as bad as she used to be but I made a habit of always having something handy and she keeps one in her purse at school.

At least she is at the point now that she will get a small snack before the "mood" sets in because she recognizes the symptoms.

Good luck

I have a 6-yr old same issue. Unstable blood sugar. She eats every 3 hours. I keep emergency packaged food in the car (like Teddy grahams and cereal) and an emergency snack in her backpack. I feed her whole milk and use butter in food to add fat that's not the bad kind (sticks to your ribs better). We also give her trail mix as a common snack, fruit and dried fruit. I put food in my purse when we go anywhere. I notice my mother-in-law does the same thing - it's a family trait!

Hubby is the same way and passed it on to our youngest boy. You have my empathy!

Sounds to me like it could be caused by a blood sugar (hyperglycemia) issue which would cause this. Get him tested and learn how to best deal with it which might help him not get diabetes.

It's also possible that it is another medical condition but in the meantime, keep your purse stocked with snacks. I'm no expert but foods containing sugar and glucose work immediately but you need some protein too to help keep the blood sugar level even and not spike up and then shoot down causing him to feel down or tired. Protein sources include peanuts, cheese, meat sticks. Better sources of sugar are fruits (like oranges, apples). Buy a bigger purse if needed. Worried about his weight? Have him do smaller meals and healthy snacks so that he has fuel every 3 hours. Focus on regular meal times that are balanced and aren't full primarily with the more unhealthy carbs (white stuff like white bread, potatoes, white rice, etc.