I have always been concered that my daughter weights herself everyday. I assumed that she was going thru a faze, she is only 6 years old. Then she started getting really picky about her cloths. She can only wear long shirts, because she does not want her belly to show. Even though the moring ritual of getting dressed was getting worse, I again thougth she would grow out of it. I tried all the advice - we lay our cloths out the night before, I let her pick everything out, I talk to her to calm her from being so upset becasue "nothing fits". Then this morning as we go thru another morning of drama, I asked her why she could not wear a certian shirt, and she said that it made her look "fat". I was astonished. She is in her normal weight range, and have no idea who told her that she was "fat". I need help - I do not know how to respond to this. She tunes me out when I try to tell her that she is wonderful the way she is. I fear that she will grow up consumed by this!!! Help
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| Unfortunately, weight consciousness is affecting very young children these days. Fortunately, however, there are some nice interventions that you can employ to prevent the development of an actual eating disorder. You might take your daughter to an art therapist - art therapy is a great treatment for kids because they have fun and don't realize that they are actually receiving professional help. Alternatively, you can take her to a regular child therapist - children often enjoy therapy as much as grownups do. There are books and videos on eating disorders available in most children's libraries - you can take some out and discuss the content with her in order to provide education, support and guidance. Don't try to talk her out of her perceptions, however. Use emotional coaching (see "Raise Your Kids without Raising Your Voice" or the download on Emotional Coaching on this site) in order to respond to her self-deprecating remarks. Sarah Chana
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