My dd went through this at the same age. She would even go as far as to read nutritional labels before eating anything and hiding food in fear she would get fat. She would constantly tell me she was fat when in fact she was wearing a size smaller than she should have been at that age. I started talking to her about healthy eating and 'sometimes' foods.
It took quite a while and loads of reassurance but I finally got her out of it.
I do think this is a phase many young girls go through but it really needs to be addressed early before it becomes a habit.
Tinks I'm so glad to hear girls can be talked out of it. I think I am super sensitive about this having just seen a doco on eating disorders. Fee I agree it is too early to tell and it needs to be seen in the context of the whole child.
I know boys develop eating disorders too but since having DD I have discovered a whole new world of things to fret about LOL!
Miss M, good on you for being such a plugged-in mum
Personally, first of all, I'd be getting rid of any scales. A 9 year old simply doesn't understand that she may weigh more than someone else, simply coz someone else is shorter than her.
My DD1 is 9. She is perfect. She's thin, but not skinny. A friend of hers is skinny & lanky. DD is always commenting on how she wishes she was that skinny. But right from the start I was truthful with her about it. I told her to look closer at the friend. Sure she's 'skinny', but look at the way her bones stick out. It doesn't look that nice does it? The friends own mother would love for her to put on a bit of weight, but I can't see it happening. She's like her dad.
I'd do everything to reassure her she's gorgeous the way she is, & keep an eye on her. Don't make a big deal out of it, you might make her think its something she needs to hide from you. Thats something you don't need.
My 9 year old does stuff like this too. Well, as much as she can, the scales are in my bedroom under the bed gathering dust cause I hardly ever use them and she doesn't know they're there, but she will do things like say she's getting fat, or trying to avoid eating much for dinner etc. She is also starting to show signs of the onset of puberty.
Best way I've found of handling it is to not make a big deal out of it, keep talking to her about healthy food choices and making sure she's taking part in a range of activities (dancing, sports etc). As well as constantly reassuring her that she's fine just the way she is, and that it's natural as she gets older and starts growing into a woman that she will get a little curvier and so on.
I wouldnt be worrying too much. My niece went through the same thing (i think the thread is on here somewhere). Shes 14 now and still watches what she eats but not to the extreme it was. You are doing a great job by leaving the communication about it, open with her. I think its the best you can do. Because she is so interested in the things shes eating, now is probably a good time to get her in the kitchen with you, cooking and preparing food. Also helping her understand the good and bad food... essential oils, that sort of thing.
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