DD thinks she is "fat"

[nicolewi]

What do I do about this, now? Ugh!!! We already try hard not to talk about weight at home in any negative way. DD is only 8 and is thinking she is "fat," but she is truly not even a bit overweight. She has a bigger, more muscular butt than some of the girls in her class and it started with that...saying she noticed they have a "nice flat butt" and hers "sticks way out." It's by no means big, at all. It's just rounder than theirs. OMG, I can't even believe I"m writing this. Now, this morning, she said her leggings "make her legs look fat." I just talked again about how she has a wonderful, healthy strong body, and she's really not even overweight at all, and even if she were that wouldn't change the way we all feel about her. You know how some little girls are super, super stick thin looking for a while? She's comparing to that. She is a completely normal weight but just has a different build. 

This freaks me out big time. In second grade, weight wasn't even on my radar. I was happily eating giant plates of waffles and running around outside. 

[nowa]

I have no advice just commiseration. I cannot believe it starts so early and I'm dreading it with my three girls (oldest is 6). Sorry Mama. I'd keep not emphasizing weight and also just not focusing on looks overall. Of course, you need to build her self-confidence at the same time, just not have that praise and confidence be focused on looks. I have no idea how to effectively do that, but ...

[L From The D]

I'm so sorry she feels that way! Have you tried the "what makes you say/think that...?" I think it's normal for kids to notice similarities and differences from their peers, but the focus on body image is a scary slope. It sounds like you already gave her positive feedback about being healthy and strong.

[dizzycooks]

I agree with L From The D I'd ask her what she means or why she is saying that.
I am dreading that topic.
Why do you think it's coming up earlier than we remember? I honestly don't remember thinking about it until middle school.