As soon as I think I'm doing something good.....

As soon as I think I'm doing something good, it comes back and bites me in the butt!!!  Last night I took Maddie to my WW meeting.  For those who don't know Maddie, she is 5 years old going on 20.  Today I got a call from her school nurse saying that Maddie told her teacher that she was on a diet because she is fat and that I gave her diet pills for breakfast.  If Maddie is good at the WW meeting I give her a pack of the sugar free candy.  She took them to school and her teacher asked her what they were and that's when Maddie said that the candy was her diet medicine and so forth.  The nurse told me that she was not allowed to bring candy to school or any type of medicine.  I know that!  She then told me that they checked her lunch to see what kind of food she had. I explained to the nurse that I go to WW's and Maddie comes w/ me because of childcare issues. And that we are starting to have a healthier lifestyle and eat better around the house. After I go off the phone w/ her I lost it!!!  I could not control my crying!  I thought "what have I done to our little girl?"  I called my mom and she just gave me a pep talk and said that I should feel good that the school followed up on something like that.  I don't know what to think!  I explaned to Maddie that mommy and daddy will love her know matter what she looks like or how big or small she is!  I told her that we are going eat healthy and make right choices about food so mommy can be heathy to see her get married and have kids.  Maddie then said "if we eat heathy, then we are on a diet, right?"  Light bulb went off what she thinks!  I told her yes, kind of...but we are going to change for good.   I tell ya...if it's not one thing it's another.  What is this world coming to that my 5 year old thinks she's fat?  Yes, she must see her mom get depressed about her weight, but how do I stear her in the right direction to have a good body image and love herself?  I am so afraid she will start to hate herself WHY so soon!  Thanks for listening. 

Oh, you poor thing.  I know that this has not been the best week in the world for you.  What Maddie did is normal in 5 year olds.  I also  have to applaud the school for calling you in regards to this situation.  It shows that they are paying attention to what is going on.    I think this an experience you can use as a learning tool for your self and Maddie.  It is amzing how we will negatively talk about ourselves all the time without knowning it.  Now both of you can work on positive talk and good body issues together. I hope what I said helps, as I am not good at putting certain things into writing.

Oh honey.........[[[[[[[[[HUGS]]]]]]]] I feel so bad for you, and I agree with Wendi.  This is a perfect opportunity for both of you to learn new, positive words and phrases relating to your lifestyle.  It is also a reminder about "little ears....." It IS true that diets do not work.  Lifestyles work.  Healthy living is the goal.   Try not to make a bigger deal out of it than it already is with her.  Model positive lifestyle choices for her and good self-image.  Don't use the word "diet". I had posted something similar a few months back as I worry about my 11 year old, but I keep modeling positive, healthy choices and take each day as it comes with her.  She still has some awful habits that I hate to see, but we are working on it. I hope this helps in some small way.  I feel for you, hopefully, next week will be better.....

Thanks Dawn and Wendi, Her teacher called me this morning and all is straightened out w/ that.  We are just going to make small changes, so she doesn't freak out and rebel about the healthy food.  Yesterday she had apples and carrots when she got home from school.  Things will get better w/ time.  I appreciate all your kind words and hugs!!!!