DD thinks she's fat? How can I change this?

[Katymac]

She isn't btw

She is 9, 4ft 7 weighs 30 kg (4st 10ish)

She says she is fat

I think she is about to grow - she is tiny and has a bit of a handful at her waist (a small hand full)

But I don't want her to have a bad body image - what can I do to help her

(battery going so I might disappear at any time - sorry)

God thats a tough one Katy. All you can do is keep reassuring her that she isn't fat and her body shape is just the way it should be. It doesn't help when childrens clothes come in such different sizes for the same age iykwim. I assume she knows all the stuff about healthy eating and everything in moderation? I just know you teach her that, you're in childcare yourself! Just keep telling her she's OK, hopefully its just a phase. I bet some of the girls at school have started talking about their own weight and now she's panicking. I really don't know what you can do. Sorry.

Thanks Maureen - I worry about her self image so much (she was bullied 2 yrs ago about her colour & it has left her a bit insecure)

I went through the same thing with my dd who is now 11. All it took was for a pair of school trousers to not fit her. We were in M&S and the only size that fitted her was aged 14! She was so upset. I had to explain that its so hard to size childrens clothes because everyone grows at different rates and then all catch up with each other at about 16/18. She's always worn clothes that match her age, but that day was awful. I also told her that because she was turning into a big girl, her tummy would probably be fatter at different times of the month iykwim! Its such a delicate subject, so many hormones and stuff running round their heads and bodies. I also do my very best not to mention the word diet or weight in my house. I've always corrected anyone who says diet to healthy eating! I hope she's OK.

I di the diet/HE thing too

The silly thing is - that she is able to wear skirts 4/5 & has to pull the elastic in so tight on skits/trousers in her size

It's a perception thing