Waiting for surgery places the decision in their hand, that would be an act of relinquishing control. Supporting the attitude that a little physical difference, doesn't change who they are, nor makes them bad, helps direct the attitude about what is and isn't of value, and what should or shouldn't be worried about.

My wife recently got a promotion. She had firmly decided oin several occasions to not apply for the promotion, citing several reasons. Each time I encouraged her, and helped shape her attitude away from fear to confidence. Now she's doing something she thoroughly enjoys. I was able to affect her attitude, and my wife is an adult.

The reasons for feeling bad about the shape of one's body, especially at such a young age, are superficial. A parent should always try to affect their child's attitude so that they can see how trivial such worries are. Then when the time comes that there really is a need for a change, the child can be a part of the decision.

Fact: Neither Aimee nor Michelle were less of a person because their bodies didn't fit the norm.

Fact: Understanding that leads to a broader, wiser attitude on life as a whole.

Fact: The attitude they had, at an early age (under 7) is affected for the most part by their parents.

Fact: The degree their attitude will continue to be affected by their parents is proportional to the attention and respect their parents give them when they are younger, as well as the consistency with which their parents' words match their actions.

Here's a good example: Typically young Jewish children are taught about their heritage, and learn about anti-semitism. They are taught that many people will hate them because they are Jewish, but in the end they will succeed, because they are Jewish, inspite of anyone else's bigotry.

Not all, but many Black children in the US are also taught about their heritage, and taught about racism, but instead of being taught that they can suceed inspite of other's bigotry, many (not all) are taught that that bigotry will keep them from suceeding.

Guess who, traditionally, make the greater effort to succeed in life.

When you teach a child to fear what doesn't need to be feared, you cripple them. What other people think, if they dislike you for some trivial reason, is not something to fear. That they can succeed and go far inspite of the ignorance and bigotry of others is a very important lesson for them to learn.

I remember a story about a family that was visited by their pastor. They weren't expecting him, but they had a nioce visit, until the pastor wanted to read a verse to them. Wanting to use their family Bible the father boastfully said to his small son, "Go get that book we all love so dear." The boy returned with the Sears catalog.

If a child frets over the shape of a body part, then the value on the physical was learned from her parents, and that attitude can be changed.