I'm supporting her the best way I know how, but I can also see why she’s freaking out.
I have a 15-year-old daughter, “Cassie,” who is obsessing over her appearance, especially her weight, even though she is healthy and doesn’t look even a little bit overweight. But she recently got big news that’s really set her back.
She was recently diagnosed with a medical condition in her leg that will keep her from exercising, possibly for years until she can have corrective surgery. This wasn’t a total shock, but seeing the facts on paper has been pretty crazy for our whole family, especially Cassie. She was a competitive gymnast and swimmer before the diagnosis, which kept her in good physical condition, but she’s worried that because she can’t participate in these activities anymore, she’ll gain weight and lose her hard-earned muscle. It’s her worst nightmare.
I’ve reminded Cassie that the super skinny bodies she sees on magazine covers are not models that she has to copy. I firmly believe that she is beautiful and still will be even if she gains weight, and I’ve told her so.
As her mother, I’m getting pretty worried. I know that she’s a teenager and that teenage girls are often insecure about their weight, and I’m supporting her the best way I know how. However, I can also see her side of the issue. This is an unusual situation where her fears aren’t totally unjustified. She will probably gain weight, she will definitely lose some of her muscle, and she won’t be able to exercise like she used to.
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