Short Stature Support Group
Shortness is a vague term without a precise definition and with significant relativity to context. Because of the lack of preciseness, there is often disagreement about the degree of shortness that should be called short.
Hi I am a mom of a beautiful 14 year old girl. She was born a micro preemie at 2.3. She has never been on the growth chart and has always remained small. She also has scoliosis and we have tried growth hormone therapy without any success. Last week we were told that she has reached her full height at 4.5. She was pretty upset by this and still had hopes of a "growth spurt". I am looking for either other parents that are going thru this or even young women that are dealing with this issue so that I may help her to cope with her reality of being 4.5.
I'm 28 years old and 4'10 very petite. When I started highschool I was 4'5 ish and weighed 74 lbs at age 14. I remembered the pediatrician telling my mom I wasn't even on the growth chart and the average size of a 9 year old! At age 11 my school nurse discovered I had scoliosis and I had to wear a back brace to stop the curving of my spine. I wore the brace until I was 15 because I was done growing. When the doctors told me that I was very upset. At that point all of my friends were 5'3 5'4 plus, and looked like women while I looked like a 5th grader! People in high school would either ask if I was a smart kid that got promoted early or the younger sister to my friends lol. It wasn't always easy not because I was harassed or treated mean but because of my own insecurities. My mom always reassured me that I was a great person and regardless of my size and that being small made me stand out. And she was right. I danced, had good grades and good friends. By time I was 16 or 17 I was more confident in myself and no one really teased me about my height. If anything I would get comments like " wow you are so small ". Looking back being open with my mom and her advice about just being yourself and be confident is what really helped. Also surrounding yourself with good friends really helped.Now I'm getting married soon, I graduated from college, I have a great career and my height is the furthest thing from my mind. I love being small because it sets you apart from everyone else. Don't torture yourself with all the what if's. if your daughter develops insecurities like I did, just be there for her and offer your best advice. And when she is older she will look back and be thankful!!! :) hope this helps!
My daughter is tiny but tough. She hated being carried around by school friends like a doll and hates shopping for clothes and shoes. On the flip side, she can always get people to do things for her (even if she can do them herself) and is pretty fearless - a common premie trait. She spent the last 2 years in Cairo in college. As a tiny, very blonde double D girl, she really stood out. She got annoyed at comments but even the revolution didn't scare her. (Just about killed me!) We tried to teach her that being small only defines your height and not who you truely are. Her value to others is the same regardless of her size. Would you love a tall or heavy child more? Of course not. It hasn't been all roses but I'd be happy to help in any way I can as a veteran preemie Mom.
Tonight at dinner was the first time that I noticed people looking at her. It was a family and they kept talking to each other and turning to look at her. She didn't notice but the dad finallymnoticdmme staring back at them and looked away! :)
Thanks for your replies!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ShortStatureUSAShortandSweet/
Here is a link to a Facebook page that I have started. Maybe you and your daughter can join. It would be nice to have a face with the comments.:o) Plus I am sure It would be helpful to others. I couldn't find anything like it so I started one.:o)
Debby