How to reassure a child worrying they are too skinny

[maggiepy]

I have a usually happy, active 11 year old boy who the last couple of nights has been worrying that he is too skinny. He is quite thin but eats like horse and just seems to be one of those lucky people that doesn't put on weight. He says he is not being teased at school . He also says that he hates looking at himself in the mirror. Have tried reassuring him that he's OK and that I was skinny at his age too but he seems so sad about it. Any advice appreciated.

[chocoluvva]

My DS 13 is exactly the same.
I tell him that he looks cool - he's tall and has a lovely mop of hair- and that as people age they tend to put weight on - it's unusual for people to be skinny into middle age and beyond, so it's really good from a health point of view.
DD (16) however is forever advising him to do press ups and lift weights to build himself up.....

[maggiepy]

Thanks choculuvva, not an easy one is it? Found scales in his room today! Going to have a chat with my sister who is a nurse and also a qualified nutritionist. He is just so super sensitive to even the most innocent comments made and takes it all to heart at the moment. Been reassuring him with the fact that he must be healthy as has not had a day off school in ages and is growing upwards (if not outwards) judging by the hems of his trousers.