7 Year Old Son Has Me Worried

Sometimes kids, like adults, just need down time. If he isn't eating, he might be fighting off something. It may not manifest, but his body needs energy to fight it. If it goes on for more than a week, see a doctor. Otherwise, if you let him rest and do what he wants without drawing undue attention to him, he'll probably be full of energy and driving you nuts soon!

Maybe just too hot and conserving calories because he's not eating? When I was young (and even now at 33) if it is over 90 degrees I don't really eat. Try a smoothie - something cold and refreshing and not dairy based. Good luck!

He may be coming down with something. There is a flu-like sickness that is going around - had my granddaughter down for four full days. She ran just a slight fever, but she just didn't feel good, didn't eat, didn't go outside, just laid on the couch all day. After four days, she popped up, said she was fine and has been fine ever since. If he hasn't been anywhere where anything could have happened to cause him an emotional issue, then he's probably coming down with whatever it is and just needs some rest.

I think you are a great mom for paying such close attention to your son and should follow your instincts. I would take him to the pediatrician...who cares if they find nothing. Maybe he won't or can't tell you what is wrong now, but he will know you care about him (I am sure he already knows that, but it never hurts to reinforce it, especially if you think something has happened to him). Kids go through phases when they don't want to eat much and that is very normal. Also, sometimes people in general go through periods of inactivity, especially when the temperature changes a great deal. However, you shouldn't second guess yourself when it could be something more serious.

Hi Denise,
Is he going through any big life changes (e.g., moving, switching schools, having a falling out with a close friend)? It sounds like either your son is sick (which may not be giving him other symptoms, such as pain, that he can perceive) or that he is feeling depressed. I would absolutely take him to the pediatrician as soon as possible to have full lab work done and so that the pediatrician can talk to him, potentially without you in the room (just in case something is happening that he does not want to discuss with you in the room). You are right about trusting your gut. If your son is sick, you want to catch whatever it is as early as possible. Make sure his pediatrician is taking you seriously and does a full work-up. If not, find another doc. If nothing is wrong, than great, and who cares if the doc thinks you're neurotic, which he/she probably won't -- they deal with parents every day! If something is going on with his health, you'll be so glad you caught it earlier rather than later. Best to you and your family.
K.

Dear Denise,
I understand that you are really concerned for your son. I have a son as well. As long as you have not had anything traumatic happen in your family and your son isn't exhibiting any other "health" symptoms....I would suggest that perhaps he is getting ready for a big growth spurt.
My son did the same things from the time he was little. (He will be 13 this month). Always, the not eating freaked me out because my son eats EVERYTHING. We have never found anything he didn't like, with the exception of drinking a glass of buttermilk. So, I would get very concerned. He wouldn't eat, seemed sluggish, didn't really want to go anyhere and slept a lot. It only lasted a few days. He went right back to normal, and believe me, he made up for every meal he had missed! Literally as if overnight, things that fit him the week before were too small and he took off growing. It got to where I could recognize it and be ready for it every single time. My nephew began doing the same thing and I recognized it right away. Sure enough, always just before a big grow.
Remember that kids will go through phases where their appetites will wane, but rest assured they will not starve themselves. It sounds like you have a very busy life as well, so maybe he just wants to "chill" a bit. Keep an eye on him. I really don't think it's anything to worry about. But if he's not back to himself in a week, you might need to take him to the doctor just to make sure everything else checks out okay.

Blessings to you and your family!

Hi Denise,

My 6 year old has been doing the exact same thing over the past few days. School had just ended and I honestly think he was pooped, emotionally and physically. He laid around, slept late (SO unusual for him) wanted to do nothing (even more unusual) and didn't eat for two, maybe three, days. I kept asking what was wrong and he would say nothing, but he definitely wasn't himself. Then he just snapped out of it. Now he is now outside playing, eating everything in sight, etc. I am assuming your son is ending his school year also, this can be a huge stress for some kids. I would give it a day or two longer. Plus they may have been fighting something off, as others said. I am not trying to disuade you from seeing a doctor, but hopefully putting your mind at rest a little.

I agree with the other post that says your son may just need some down time.

My son is only 3, but has days where, like the grownups in his life, he doesn't eat a lot, and when he feels or acts more quiet & to himself than on other days.

It doesn't even necessarily mean anything is wrong, maybe you could just curl up w/him & read a good book together, or watch a movie, play quietly together or just let him be.

Hovering around him, worrying about what is wrong, giving it lots of attention when he says there is nothing wrong, gives him the idea you can't trust what he says. Let him know you trust he will tell you if he needs something, no matter how big or small, & leave it at that for now...you will know if it gets to crisis stage.

Like the others said, he might be fighting something off. It's only been 2 days, but if you're really worried it might be worth a trip to the dr. just to make yourself feel better.

Chances are it will turn out to be nothing and he will be his old self again very soon.

If I were you. I would take a few hours just for you and him and go do something he enjoys. Then go eat and try to talk at his level, things he loves to do and enjoys. Then let him no that mommy and daddy love him very much and that he could tell you anything. No matter what anyone else tells him and nothing will ever separate you all. Ask if he has meet any new people. Or you, have you meet any new people. Does he now about private area that no one should touch, etc. Hope this helps I would be going crazy too. Just follow your instincts as a mom.

I would find out if everything is okay at school and talk to his teacher. He could be going through something that you are not aware of and this is his way of dealing with it. Why don't you ask him if something is bothering him. I would also talk to your daughter, 5 year olds are pretty percepive, and see if she is aware of anything. Sometimes just sitting down and talking to him at his level works wonders. I would sit down with him on the couch and cuddle with him and talk. I would also take him to his pediatrician and have a blood work up. If it has just started happening I wouldn't worry too much. Observe his behaviour and do what your gut is telling you to do.

I have learned to trust my mommy instinct over the years. It is an amazing intuitive gift from the maker.

I would go online and lookup "Severe fatigue, poor Appetite" in children and see what comes up. Is he on ANY medication that can give side effects like this? Depression can cause these sypmptoms .
Fatigue can be related to disorders. one is thyroid dysfunction. I'm sure there are others.
Viruses can cause these symptoms, I'm not sure if they come wihtout the fever, maybe they can?

It sounds like he may be a little bored more than anything, but to be on the safe side, why not get him scheduled for a physical? You could ask his pediatrician to do some routine blood work to rule out something like anemia, which would indeed make him listless and tired. Does he take children's vitamins? Do you have lead-based paint in your home by any chance? If so, you might mention that to the pediatrician.

Hope your son feels more like himself so he can enjoy the summer!

Growth spurt, maybe? My daughter has always been really "off" when she has one.

I would trust your gut. If you think he isn't well, take him to the doctor. If nothing else, you will have peace of mind.

I would call your pediatrician's advice nurse...they will probalby want to see him. It could just be a strange virus,
but I wouldn't take any chances.

Hope he gets back to normal soon!

It really sounds like he doesn't feel well. I would take him to the doctor right away for blood test.

This sounds like something I would not hesitate to call my doctor about. My sister felt this way for months; turns out it was diabetes. God, i hope that's not the case but in any event I'd call the doctor right away.

Dear Denise,

It's troubling when your child isn't quite right and you aren't sure what's even wrong to fix it. Definitely get him to the pediatrician's office to get checked out. It could be physical or mental, or both. Make sure of what it is that is making him lethargic. He doesn't know how to fix what's wrong and he needs your help to get better.

Good luck,

Jackie

Get him to a doctor and have him tested for diabetes.

Hello Denise,
I think your mommy instincts are "right on." Please take your son to his doctor to ensure his medical health. When he is cleared I think you might want to see a child psychiatrist if any are available in your area. If not an MSW or a psychologist or other professional experienced with children.
All my best, S.

Get him to a doctor and get him checked out right away. Your instinct as a mother is usually right. You KNOW when something is wrong with your child better than anyone else. Something is going on.

Lots of Luck - God Bless -

+B+