Ds self conscious of his body

[MummyPig24]

Ds is 5 and a friend at school said he had a fat tummy and laughed at him. He is a healthy weight, active etc but sometimes after a few meals during the day his tummy sticks out a little bit.

He is now embarrassed, keeps asking if his tummy is fat or thin, was anxious about taking his top off on holiday and getting changes for p.e.

How can I make him see that he is absolutely fine?

He eats a lot and does have a very sweet tooth but overall he eats a balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and veg. We have talked about foods that will make us strong and foods that won't. But I'm not sure if I've done that right.

Please help!

Well the first question to ask here is do you think he's overweight? Did they weigh him at school and give you his results? What centile is he?

I don't think he is over weight. When weighed at school he was 25th centile for height and 75th for weight. So looking at it like that I suppose he would be classed as overweight?

He definitely does not look overweight or out of proportion in any way and I am confident he eats a good diet.

I spoke to his teacher today who said he is not at all overweight and she would have a little talk with him. They are also doing healthy eating and fitness at school this week which will work out well.

I think you were right to speak to his teacher....my DD was coming home from school at a similar age talking about "So and So's Mummy is fat....X says so" and I had a word with her teacher so she could speak to them.

His teacher said she would speak to the other foundation teachers and see what they think. She said she has experienced this with overweight children, but not with children who are not actually overweight.

The main issue is that ds is not very confident in himself so that's really what I was asking her advice on, how to make him see that is he great!

"The main issue is that ds is not very confident in himself so that's really what I was asking her advice on, how to make him see that is he great!"

From time to time, in a proud and endearing way keep telling him how gorgeous he is, and compliment his physique. You could say something along the lines of "wow check you out - I wish I looked like you etc. (Perhaps when he's dressed to go to a party or something).

I often get hold of my DS for a big cuddle and rock him in my arms (standing up) and tell him that he is soooo gorgeous etc! It's done in an affectionate and light-hearted way, but he knows I mean it.