dogface
your nine-year-old is heading into a stage of life (pre-teens) where he is likely to start eating more. Two reasons, firstly their taste buds become less sensitive so they tolerate more foods, and also they begin a growth spurt shortly (or he could be coming out of one too).
The main thing with children is never to restrict their food if it is healthy, but rather focus on activity, which is exactly what you are doing. They need to eat often and lots so their body gains all the building blocks it needs, plus all the energy that he needs to do what he does. It is the growth and activity which will allow him to ‘grow into his body’.
If you keep on as you are, offering healthy food and allowing him to be active, then he will naturally grow at his own rate and his body will go through its stages at a healthy rate. Children often gain and lose ‘puppy fat’, he is likely to do the same thing again around 18. I do have a fact sheet on nutrition for teens and while he isn’t quite there, it might help to explain where you are heading. It should be on my website (www.sneakys.com.au), but if not, flick me an email and I will send it to you.
All the best
Leanne