Chapter 12 - Feeding a Child Who Was Afraid of Food
Recovery was not simply giving Lizzy giant meals.
Her stomach had adapted to inconsistent intake.
Dietitian gave plan.
Regular meals.
Snacks.
No pressure.
No food used as reward or punishment.
She hoarded crackers beneath pillow.
At first I removed.
Therapist told me stop.
“Give basket she controls.”
So we placed snack basket in room.
Granola bars.
Crackers.
Applesauce.
She checked it every night.
For weeks she never ate from it.
Just needed know it existed.
Then one morning one wrapper was empty.
I almost cried.
Did not mention.
Food needed stop being event.
She gained three pounds first month.
Seven by four months.
Iron improved.
Energy returned.
Bruises faded.
No permanent organ damage.
Her biggest injuries were patterns.
She asked permission to open refrigerator.
She apologized after spilling milk.
She froze when Adam raised voice at television during football.
He stopped yelling at football.
Not because he was dangerous.
May you like
Because child’s nervous system did not care difference yet.
We adapted.
