9 Year Old Worried About Body Image

We are going through something similar with our son (10), and have seen a nutritionist, specialized in children. That was helpful - maybe something you can try.
The goal for kids like my son, who is 95% in weight and 98% in height is not to loose weight, but to slow down the gaining of weight. Instead of gaining 10 pounds over the next year, we are trying to limit this to maybe 3 or 5.

From what I learned, just walking on the treadmill will not make her loose weight, and I would be worried that she would totally give up if she sees nothing is happening. But exercise in general is so important, and she should keep at walking for other health benefits!
We did get a small indoor trampoline, and it gets some good use. We set it up in the family room, and often he jumps while I am making dinner.

Food intake is a big factor and I think you should give her all the support she needs, but as you said, to support a healthier way of living and not to loose weight.

You should let her have good meals: good breakfast with protein, a small snack to carry over to lunch (fruit or veggies would be great), a lunch (check your school lunch menu, often they are not the healthiest), then a solid afternoon snack with protein (jogurt, nuts, some crackers with cheese, veggies, grapes and cheese) and dinner. The reason to have snacks is that it helps your body not to crave food for the main meals, and then overeat. The nutritionist also recommended a large glass of water before dinner (or before a second helping) and eating slowly. And don't make her finish her food before having dessert.

If you are concerned about what she physically can do with her CP, you should consult your kid's doctor. A lot of YMCAs and other kids gym clubs are offering programs for kids, and this also could open her eyes to a wider variety of body shapes.

hi kelli,
the first thing you should do is find out where this negative influence on her came from (music, tv show she watches, friends at school, etc.) and avoid it. then you should make sure she knows that you are happy with the way you are (positive influence to copy), and also that you are happy with the way SHE is. next, SHE needs to be happy with herself. let her know that everyone is different, yet everyone is "normal" - normal is whatever an individual is, NOT a general category that people have to fall into. everyone has something they dont like about themselves, something they feel is "wrong with them", but everyone also has something they really like about themselves or something they are really good at that many others cant do. try focusing on her strengths and positive aspects, and try to get her to focus on them also.if she is happy with herself, she wont care what others think, wether shes too skinny, too fat, or closer to average.as long as SHE loves herself and how she is, nothing else really matters.

C.

Hi Kelli.
I would love to help you out with this. I run a program called transitions lifestyles. We teach people how to eat healthy foods and feel great. One part of the program that I think would help is we are not about what you weigh. I think your daughter needs to stop obsessing about that and it's hard....believe me. I used to do it too. Since I have been involved with Transitions I couldn't care less what I weigh. I went from a 16 (after having my 3 kids) to an 8 and as long as my jeans fit I don't care what the scale says. I know someone else said to find out where the negative influence is coming from and take her out of the situation but really? Do you remember highschool. There are bad influences everywhere. You would be better off teaching her how to deal with them rather than avoiding them for her.
If you do encourage her to work out I would tell her that she doesn't need to lose weight but working out would make her healthier and feel better so you encourage it. Also remember that muscle weighs more than fat so the scale my go up a pound or 2 which may really discourage her if she is looking at it from a weight point of view. If you would like to chat with me let me know and I will send you my number.
Also tell her that if she skips meals and doesn't eat enough she will slow her metabolism down and actually gain weight.
Good luck.

Get rid of the scale!! That can become an obsession. Perhaps some girls in class are talking about weight?? She just needs to stay active. I know this is expensive but have you heard about the Wii fit games. She may be interested in those types of activities. See if she will invite a friend over to play some games with her. Maybe you can go for a walk or run with her before dinner?? Let her know that girls and women come in all shapes and sizes and get rid of the girly magazines like cosmo, people etc. Those are very bad for self image. Make sure you model to her high self-esteem, great body image, and healthy eating habits. If you think highly of yourself, she may emulate that, as well. You are her biggest influence. You can ask her if she would like to do more activities, but make sure you tell her that she is great the way she is and that at this age she doesn't need to worry about things like weight, that is something for grownups and parents to worry about. also, find activities that she is will excell in or be good at, art, music, reading club, civic and community service, etc. Sounds like she needs something else to occupy her mind. Perhaps helping out in the community and volunteering may give her a boost of self-esteem and pride.