Unwanted Weight Gain!

[MrsFruitcake]

My previously slim 9 year old DD has started to get a bit of what I'd call a 'tummy'. Not to her face obviously, as I haven't said anything to her about it at all, but this evening, getting changed into her pajamas, she came to me and asked me if I thought she was. I didn't truthfully know what to say so I just brushed over the comment, but she was quite adamant she wanted to know what I thought.

I explained that her body is changing now she's getting older and that was most probably why, but she was upset and said she didn't want to be 'fat'. Now this worried me because I am not especially slim (size 16) and I have tried very hard not to let any of my body hangups rub off on her.

I did say something about eating less sweets (she's terrible for loving sugar) and having more veg and fruit, and doing more activities. She hasn't been to her dance class for weeks because she feels a bit insecure about some new dance routines but I am sure that if she starts going more frequently, this may just make the difference. We also swim each week.

Any advice or help? I am very worried about this, I was exactly her age when I started putting on weight and was always a bigger child and teen and had Bulimia as a result. I know how hard it is and I don't want that for her. I just want her to be healthy and happy.

Sounds like you said just the right thing regarding development and changing body shape. The eat-fewer-sweet things os also good advice, for complexion and dental reasons as well as weight gain. Cut out fizzy drinks but banning sweet stuff altogether can make forbidden fruit taste sweeter. Make sure fresh fruit is readily available. Is she really peckish or is her body asking for liquid intake?

Sports and walking whenever possible will help but it's a shame if she drops dance altogether, is there a different form of damce she could try if she has lost interest in her current classes?

A lot of body consciousness does start up amongst classmates her age so don't squash what can seem like borderline vanity or dismiss her feelings. Accentuate the positive and pay her compliments about eyes or smile or gracefulness or athleticism. Encourage her to look inwardly too, praise personal qualities.

I think it's great you go swimming regularly with her already .

Sorry forgot to say - Wii fitness or good old fashioned cycling can help tone up too. It's not so much weight loss or dieting as burning off what she takes in and eating healthily. Everything in moderation, exercise and intake. As you know denial of treats or skipping meals is self punishing and she still needs vital vitamins and the good elements of food at her stage of growth.