is my 5 yr old overweight??

hi there,
if you think its food from the pantry that she is helping herself to, maybe don't buy it so the temptation isn't there. I know you said it might be a genes thing...when you say you and your dh and big, I am not sure whether you mean big build (as in tall) or as in big meaning extra fat. Keep a food diary for her so you can see whats going on and you can give that to a nutritionist. Sometimes even eating healthy foods can cause problems if their body can't cope with them in some way. eg bread. Hope you can find the support you need for your kids.
All the best with it!

My nearly 9 year old weighs 28 kgs. She tends to put weight on and get chubby, over a period of about 3 or 4 months, then shoot up taller. I'd say though, if your DD has been putting weight on over 18 months and not having a huge growth spurt, then definately look at her diet.
As PP said, it may even be that a healthy food is causing her to put the weight on. Maybe try and make some changes as a family, so she doesn't feel like she's being singled out. Good luck with it all. Lots of good advice re healthy eating here on Huggies if you need recipes etc.