[Verurtle]

Is your 9 year old a fussy eater?

How do I know if DS is not getting enough nutrients?

His teacher says at times his lethergic and lacks energy.

I have taken him to the doctors for iron levels and that was fine, however I will also get him tested for blood sugar levels.

[barrington]

How is his water intake?

I can tell when I collect DS in the afternoon whether or not his water bottle is full or empty. He seems to get really lethargic if his water intake is inadequate during the day. Its almost an immediate pick me up when I get him to drink water when we get home.

[Paddlepop]

Does he sleep well? I think that I've read somewhere that a lot of children have undiagnosed sleep apnoea and it can lead to them not paying attention at school and being very tired.

Sleep apnoea is when breathing stops during sleep. It is often accompanied by snoring but not always. Perhaps you could sneak into your son's room a few times for 5-10 minutes at a time and listen to his breathing and make sure it is constant with no pauses. If you have concerns then go to your GP and ask about having a sleep study done.

My father has sleep apnoea and the difference in his energy and mood since it has been treated has been amazing.

[Lokum]

What time does he go to bed?

Does he really go to sleep at that time? Does he have computer/TV/phone/DS in his room which he might actually be playing with until much later at night than you realise?

[karlah]

I have to agree with barrington, water is a major factor, my son is exactly the same, his water intake is poor and virtually wakes up after drinking! x

[kerrie23]

I have a 7 year old terribly terribly fussy eater, he eats bread and a few other things and that is it (Mild Aspergers), however he drinks alot of water, sleeps very well and has endless amounts of energy. Perhaps it is not what your child is eating at all. C takes a daily multivitamin, and has iron infused juice. I also give him hospital grade sustagen at the start of the day as I find it does not leave him hungry until recess time.

[Carmen02]

my 7yr old (his 8 soon) is an extremely fussy eater his diet is very limiting and he was and has always been lathergic at school and we always got his iron tested that was fine put on alot of vitamins didnt do much till one GP tested him for coealiacs which came back positive and he has alot more engery now (not saying your child has it though! just over areas to test then iron sometimes) and drinking is important at school DS comes home feeling awful I look at his drink bottle and most times its full.