Quote From: moms2bones I am asking a question in regards to my daughter. She is 10 years old and very slim, not too thin. However she views herself as being FAT, I have talked with her about this, and she indicates that she is afraid of getting fat, she sees all the other children in her school, and doesn't want to be heavy, because she say's they get picked on.
Now she does come to their defense, we have been given notes by the teacher and principal, praising her attitude in class, and her ability to try and stop what she can, and report what is wrong.
I don't want to cause her to stray away from being able to talk with me, and she talks to me about everything, and I like it. However something of this nature seems to be out of my control and education level (I am in veterinary medicine) good education, but not the right one.
Any input would be great, thank you.
Children can easily have anorexia. I was in the hospital with a 9 year old and 2 ten year olds in the past, and at the clinic I go to there are many preteens being treated. My best advice is if you suspect anorexia, please take her in to the doctor. They can diagnose and treat her if she does in fact have anorexia. I want you to know that if she does have an eating disorde, YOU did nothing wrong! Blaming yourself does nothing........it is not your fault, and she is not choosing to have this illness (if she does). Anorexia's causation is in the brain (researchers are now beginning to see how an anorexic's brain is different from a "normal" person's brain. They have located an area in the hypothalamus!). Therapy is necassary though, to treat her underlying issues. Triggers are what brings an eating disorder out, but the ultimate causation lies in her brain. I want this statement to stay with you if she does have anorexia........you did not cause this. From your post, it sounds like you and your daughter have a wonderful relationship and I am sure she loves you very much. If you ever need to talk, I am here.
Julie
