9 year old obsessing over her weight WWYD?

[~clover~]

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.

[Cranky Kitten]

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.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

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.