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Dealing with changes in puberty
My DD has always been a small child, but now at 12 years of age her shape is starting to change. She views these changes to a more womanly shape as being fat, although in all honesty she is probably underweight for her height and age. She is very active and does a lot of sports, so she has well-defined muscles, but literally no spare flesh at all. What is the best way to handle her 'I'm fat' moods? At the moment we just point out that she is fit and active, eats an extremely healthy, well-balanced diet and that her shape will change as she matures. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!
- Sapphy_1
Your daughter's worries are sadly very common and it makes it hard for mums not to feel perplexed about what to do. Her body is developing absolutely normally. So the question is how to help her enjoy rather than freak out about these changes. You might try saying: that new shape you are getting around your hips (or tummy) is really exciting. It means you are getting ready to be a fully fledged adolescent! Your body is preparing itself for your periods and for having a baby one day. That is so exciting.
I would also celebrate when she gets her period. It can welcome her over the threshold to 'adulthood' and even if she is shy about it, it can show her that you feel she is in another stage now which includes the extra capacities her body has.
For more info and answers to lots of other questions go to www.campaignforrealbeauty.co.uk or the Dove Careline 0800 085 1584. You can download or request the booklet TALK TO HER which will give you some guidelines for how to bring up difficult topics.
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