7 yr old obsessed with being thin

quietheart

My son has always been really thin, not motivated by food but has a reasonable diet. He's very energetic and runs around a lot. His ribs show through and his weight is at the lowest end of normal.
He's started making remarks recently such as "I am still the thinnest in the class aren't i?" and "you don't know anyone thinner than me do you?" He refers to other kids as fat when they are slighty meaty. I'm a size 10-12 and his dad is slim-medium build and he says we are both overweight.
Other than this he's a happy, bright contented child. I don't feel he warrants a mental health referral, I don't have much faith in the school nurse. Ideally I could do with some psychological tips on how best to deal with this. Firstly I'd like him to eat a bit more and secondly to get over his obsession with size.
It seems really unusual for a 7 yr old boy to have this level of awareness.

DUTR

Find him a hobby to distract him from his physical size, yes it does seem a little odd though.

quietheart

He has lots going on all the time, so I don't think that will make any difference unfortunately.

bouncydog1

He probably can't eat any more as he has a small tummy. DD is 17 and can only eat tiny meals so grazes most of the day. Size 8 - 10 and 5' 6" but very active.

I think that you possibly need to explain to him that everybody's size is irrelevant as long as they are healthy and he is slim because you and his dad are. You also need to explain to him that if he tries to make himself thin his health could suffer, but almost do it in a matter of fact way and move on to the next topic of conversation.

It could be that a fatter child in his class has been told to watch what they eat so this is his way of being involved.

littlemissscruffy

I don't post much but I read this and thought I would share my experiences. I totally agree with the previous post, My younger brother was/is naturally very slim and sometimes got teased about it. so while he was growing up we always put importance on being strong rather than his weight. we encouraged silly games that help self esteem like arm wrestling (put up abit of a fight but then let him win) and trying to pick up mummy (stand on your tip toes and let him think he has!) if he thinks he is strong it will help him with self confidence and body image, it can also be used as a tool to encourage eating saying things like "eating that helps to make you strong!" we also encouraged an interest into rugby as all the blokes on a rugby team are all shapes and size and that helps them be useful in their different roles in the team.

Try not to worry too much, just wait till he hits 14/15 he will eat anything and everything!!

obviously you know your son and what tactics work best for him but i hope that helps even just a little bit i think 7 is too young to be having serious sit down talks so in my opinion keep things fun and subtle.

xxx

quietheart

Good points, thanks a lot for replying.
We do use 'strong' a lot and it has a much more positive effect so thanks for that reminder.
My sister is a health visitor and saw him for the first time in a while and she got me worried. I don't think I need to be though. I'm able to see a problem, I just need to keep an eye on him and might get him back on milkshakes and fatty drinks as he doesn't have a problem getting those down!
Cheers and happy 2011.

mishkanorman

my eldest is 7 and has not once voiced any concerns about his weight (or his little pot belly ) BUT they do teach healthy eating in school and when they first started this he became very interested in what to eat and they use words like fat etc (me and other members of the family are size 16+)

skylight

My 8yo DD has been asking for gym equipment for Christmas for the last 3 years. We have to have a lot of chats about "healthy eating" that they instil at school; which isn't "healthy eating" as they cannot comprehend what a balanced diet is. Basically, if its on the bad list then its out permenantly and this seems to be what is taught for "healthy eating" at school.

It drives me potty.

Instead I have shown her images of anorexic people (very, very carefully vetting them and the sites first) and showing her what happens when you don't eat. The recent death of an anti-anorexic model at a young age has helped to shock her a bit and she has told me that she doesn't want to be like that.

I have to keep a close eye (without being obvious or overbearing about it) on her and what she eats. She has a healthy diet and is a slow eater naturally. She is active (kick-boxing) so her and I have discussed healthy eating (my way!) and she joins in with meal plans and preparing meals now. Trying to keep her as friends with food!