Mysteriously overweight girl...any suggestions?

[SizzlininIN]

I hope her mother soon comes to the realization that she needs to address this for Luci. She's lucky to have you and Chris in her life.

 

[Michelemarie]

I feel for her and for you. There is so much good advice on this thread - but I did not see (or maybe just read too fast) puberty. Now I know puberty will not make a child huge - however, about a year before a girl is gonna start that dreaded monthly thing - her body starts to get a little bigger and stores extra pounds. At least that is what my doctor told me and I saw in my daughter - and 10 is not too early - that was how old my daughter was - actually I think she was 9. I think her problem is deeper than that - but some of the extra pounds could be because of that. I think you did a great thing by taking her to a dietician and getting alot of the health issues checked out. I'm curious as to what the dietician suggested - please share. I know your frustration with her mom's lack of cooperation - you can only do what you can do and Luci is going to have to realize, as young as she is and as hard as it is, that she needs to start taking responsiblity too - especially at her mom's house. I know how difficult this is for her and for you - I commend you for your efforts! You are a great influence on her - keep going!

 

[urmaniac13]

Thanks again, Sizz and Michele...

Actually she has always been heavy. The dietician pointed out to her shoe size (which is now bigger than mine, though she is still about 20cm shorter than I am) and warned that her seeming to be getting worse may be due to the fact that her obesity is starting to hinder her vertical growth.

After being told of the negative results against diabetes, thyroid disorder, and intolerance against lactose, she told us to try a gluten free diet for a while and watch for any change. Her mother was informed about this, but I am not sure she will actually follow this kind of diet. They regularly eat pasta and pizza, which are full of gluten, so I am a bit concerned.

I really wish I were more competent communicating in Italian with the specialists (I am okay with everyday chitchat but this kind of dialogue can get too complicated!), so I could just take her by myself without Cris sacrificing his work. Ugh!!

We will see what we can do, and thanks again for your support. It means so much to us!!

 

[BigDog]

I'm not sure how custody works in Italy, but is there a way Cris can put his foot down and "force" the help she needs and changes to make? I mean no disrespect to you, Cris, Luci, or her mom, but isn't there some way he or someone who legally represents him can force the issue a bit as he is the father? This is his little (well, big) girl after all. I know he's busy though, and that brings my suggestion of someone to represent him. I certainly don't mean to paint him as a bad dad.

Like I said, I know not of the legal system in Italy, or how it works. Maybe all that can be done on you and Cris' part is being done. I do know that a parent would do pretty much anything for their kids. It's got to be tearing Cris up inside to see her going through this, and feel limited in what he can do due to his schedule. That said, something's gotta give. The question is, what will give?