Girls Only: Ask Dr. M: Body

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Dr. M is the author of five advice books, including Getting to Know the Real You: 50 Fun Quizzes Just for Girls, and Girls: What's So Bad About Being Good? How to Have Fun, Survive the Preteen Years, and Remain True to Yourself, both written with her teenage daughter. Dr. M shares this advice column with Molly, a middle school student who loves to play soccer, dance, write and spend time with her friends.

Read more questions and answers in these categories:

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Dear Dr. M and Molly,
I think I look fat in every swimsuit but my mom says I don't. I'm really scared of what kids will say when I go to the pool. PLEASE HELP!

—Blondie, 11, Kansas


	Dear Blondie, You're at an age when your body is changing, and you're developing more curves. If you don't trust what your mom is telling you, ask a couple of your closest friends for their opinion. Your doctor can also tell you whether you are in the right weight range for your height. The most important thing is to wear a swimsuit in a color and style that you really like, and then try to forget what you're wearing and have fun in the pool. You will always be more conscious of yourself than the other kids will be of you.


	Dear Blondie, Don't worry—everyone feels self-conscious in bathing suits. You are thinking about it a lot, so you probably think it's a lot worse than it actually is. Your mom said that she thinks you look fine, so you probably do. Your friends won't make fun of you if they are good friends. If you really feel uncomfortable, you could exercise and eat healthy. But don't overdo it or not eat. Try not to stress over it.

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