I am writing this based on a thread in 20-somethings asking if your parents are thinner than you are. It got me thinking about my own children, specifically my daughter. My other kids are all within normal weight ranges, and my daughter was too until the past 2 years when she put on a lot of weight. She is 13 and above the curve in weight for her height and age at her checkup last week. I knew she would be and asked the doctor to speak with her about her weight before we came to the office. The doctor was very sensitive in talking to her about a healthy diet and exercise, and I see my daughter taking some of the suggestions and making healthier food choices. She definitely has copied some of the changes in my diet, specifically drinking more water and eating more leafy green vegetables.
The reason the original thread in 20-somethings spoke to me is because my daughter was always thinner and smaller than me until this year. She has grown a lot and is at least 1-2 inches taller than I am at this point. She is probably about 2 sizes larger than me in clothing right now, which really bothers me, although I have never said anything to her. In fact, I compliment her on her appearance all the time because she is a beautiful girl.
I did something at the beginning of the summer that didn't seem to bother her when I asked, but now I am not so sure. We were cleaning out her closets and drawers to make room for her new summer clothes. She had so many things taking up space that didn't fit her or were too worn out. She had some size 10 items that no longer fit her (she is a size 14 now) and I am just starting to wear a size 10. Some of the dresses still had tags on them (she is picky about what she will wear). It seemed a waste to give away clothes that fit me and were in such great condition. They are women's sizes and styles, and don't look like particularly youngish clothing - they could go either way. So, I snagged a few items for my closet and have worn 2 of the dresses since then. I got compliments from people both times and I am so happy to fit into 10s again! I should make it clear that although fitting into a size 10 is a personal milestone for me, I have not said a word about wearing a smaller size or being happy that I fit into the clothes. I specifically have kept quiet about the issue and have not made a big deal about it. No one even knows that the dresses came from my daughter's closet, including my husband, so no comparisons are being made and no one knows that my daughter no longer fits into them.
However, although my daughter hasn't said anything, I wonder of I have made her feel bad that I am wearing clothing that she can't fit into anymore. I know her weight bothers her, because she once mentioned that all the boys in her school only like the "tiny" girls - which means they don't like her. I really was being "practical" mom, in not spending money on new size 10s for myself. I didn't mean to make her feel bad. I don't even want to bring it up because I don't want to create an issue if there isn't one.
Do any of you have weight issues as related to your children one way or another?