single dad wondering is my little girl doing ok?

Don't worry everything is fine, in fact she fitter than most girls of her age due to all the exercise you encourage her to do which is great! Her filling out is most likely due to the fact that her hormones have come into kick start for the onset of puberty, that's perfectly normal lol, she may start to get conscious of her body appearance but there really isn't anything to worry over at all. There is a book published by Usborne books and its called "What's happening to me?" Its about £7 or £8. There is a pink one for girls and a blue one for boys, it explains to children from age 9-12 years of age the issues of their own body from puberty and about the opposite sex as well as drugs, diet, feelings, friends, parents and other topics. I've found it to be a very valuable resource and my son who is 10 is not in the slightest embarrassed about any of the issues raised in the book, he asks alot of questions in relation to the book, and feels happy to be in the know rather not know. I congratulate you as an attentive father, you are her rock and I give you both my best wishes for your future. Shes lucky to have one parent who loves and cares so much for her welfare, she'll turn out just fine, you'll see!

The first person who replied "kind of creepy" is a jerk. She must not understand what a real dad is supposed to be like. With that being said, I have a daughter who is also almost ten years old and a little overweight. She has commented on the exact same thing so I know how you felt when she said that!

I don't lie to my kid, so when she asked if she was "chunky", which is what another kid had said to her, I told her that she was just a little and that it was okay b/c everyone is different. I then told her that what is more important than her weight right now is a healthy active life style. She sometimes says "mom does it look like I'm getting skinnier?" and I just choose to ignore her or sometimes I may say yes, it does. It's extremely hard to know exactly what is the right thing to say but at their age, if you tell them they aren't a little overweight, they know that you are lying- b/c they understand image now and they can look in the mirror and know they are overweight.

It sounds like you are a good dad and if she wants to go to the gym with you, let her go! This is such a weird age and I see it more and more everyday. I wish you luck though and I guess we both will figure out what to do sooner or later! Good Luck and as you said, love her no matter what!! There is nothing creepy about what you are doing- people think that dads who are active in their kids lives are weird- isn't that weird? Ha-Ha!

I'm pleased to say that your little girl is quite normal! She is at an age where she will gain a little weight then lose a little weight all due to her normal body growing functions. You will probably find that she will gain a little weight first, then she will get a little taller, so stop worrying. As long as you make sure she continues to eat a healthy balanced diet and doesn't eat too many sweets etc, she will grow to be a fine healthy young lady! I admire you for being the type of Dad that is open and honest with his Daughter and I applaud you for putting her first, but don't hide her from all female influences. Whilst I agree you should keep your sex life away from her until you enter a really serious relationship, you are allowed to have friends and friendly female influence can be beneficial.

I hope all this info helps, I have had 5 children, and 2 are girls.

You'll be fine, good luck!

First let me say it's inspirational to hear that you're doing such a good job raising her on your own. It's not an easy thing to do. Second...When I was her age I started gaining weight due to puberty . If I had been encouraged to exercise I might have not gained so much. I think it's wonderful that you have the ability to take her to a gym. And more important than the calorie burning is the bonding time. And this is just a string of adolescent problems that will be coming up, wait till acne! So hang in there...Keep up the good work...And take her to the gym if she really wants to go. She may just even want to spend more time with you and may be using the "I'm fat" reason as an excuse.

It is most likely the start of puberty. However, just to be on the safe side, i would take her to her doc and get her checked out. I wouldn't suggest taking her to the gym with you, but maybe starting an evening walk - some light exercize that you can talk during and continue the great bond you have. Keep an eye on her though. As scary as this sounds, pre-teens are getting to be annorexic sometimes these days too. If you notice a decrease in appetite or a consistant habit of her saying, "oh well i ate at so and so's" or "I'll just eat when i get there" double check her stories. If she calls you on it claiming you don't trust her, tell her you are concerned and love her.

Good luck - I admire you for everything you've done with her.

IT could very possibly be from puberty starting. It is not at all uncommon for girls to put on weight before a growth spurt, and 11 is the average age for a major growth spurt. After puberty settles down(around 13 or 14) her weight may drop level out. Why does she think she is fat though? Did she get a less then positive report from the school nurse, are kids teasing her, is she getting into a bad body image? I would say it is more important to address body image at this point then her body.

She is fine!!! dont worry in school thats normal lil girl tease each other take her shopping and make her feel confident and yes her hormones are gonna start changing and no this is not medical yet but if you do think you might need help you can always try a counselor not cause she has problems but just so she doesnt develop them later on good luck sounds like you are a great dad!!!1

My granddaughter is the same age and going through the same , Trouble being if your not stick thin, your fat these days, its every where, especially mags and Tv, she sounds as if she is getting the right sort of exercises, and enough, Her body is changing now as she will be going into puberty, some girls go through with out gaining weight when others don't, so make light of her weight problem, so it does not become an issue, but if she wants to go to the gym, and do gentle exercises let her go swimming. other than that, explain to her about her body starting to change shape now she is getting older.

It most likely just has to do with puberty, and she will most likely even out after a few years. I would let her come to the gym with you! It can't hurt her, and maybe it will make her feel better about herself. It's never to early to start exercising, and i'm sure if she does do some extra work outs with you, she will loose weight! I wouldn't think this is a medical problem. It sounds very normal too me. Keep up to the good work dad!

Don't worry. She is getting close to geting her first period anywhere between now & 13. It's normal to gain a little weight as her body starts to change. Congrats on raising your daughter so well. It's time you start thinking about having a good female figure in your life so that she can help through your daughter's teenage years. Trust me it is very hard for one parent alone. GOOD LUCK!!