Ep. 40: Feeding Middle Schoolers: Your Questions Answered!

This is the third episode in our four-part age series on answering questions about feeding children at various stages of development (preschoolers, elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, and high schoolers).

In this episode, Anna Mackay, Anna Lutz, and Elizabeth Davenport discuss answers to listeners’ questions related to feeding middle schoolers. Middle schoolers are between the ages of 11-14 year old. Children are at all different stages of development during this age range. We discuss:

Parents’ fear or unease about their child gaining weight
The benefits of considering eating behaviors rather than body size and weight as indicators of health
What to say if your child expresses a dislike towards their body
Parents’ concern about ensuring their child is nourished when they don’t complete their lunch or skip breakfast
How to address vegetarianism among children in this age range and how that may impact the development of eating disorders and/or intuitive eating
How to best support your child if they stop and buy candy on their way home from school (Hint: allowing the candy is okay!)

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