Mommy, Am I Fat???

Are you kidding me??? This is what a 4 year old girl asked her mother.....Is she fat?? Is she fat?? I can't get over it. I was thinking about tackling a post on body issues with children for a while now. I wasn't sure if I should, since my opinions on this matter seem to be very strong. BUT- I actually just bought my Woman's Day June Issue this morning....and what do you know-
a 3 page article on Banishing Body Issues. Beautifully written if you ask me! To read the full article click here: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Momfidence-Banish-Body-Issues.html

We all know society has a big part in the way we see ourselves, however when it comes to our children- the most influential people are the adults in their lives. I personally know parents who tell their young children that they can't have a certain food because they are getting fat....you don't say that to a child- PERIOD. Shame on you. Even backhanded comments can do more damage than good.....Like- are you losing weight? You look so skinny in those jeans.....that is setting them up for thinking negatively about the way they looked prior.... just WRONG! Better comment- you look great or beautiful dress!

Psychologist Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke has got the fix. Rachel Ray had her on her show in June 2007 and discussed the topic of Kids & Body Image. "I think what we want to teach kids is that there is a lot of different, great-tasting foods out there," says Dr. Kearney-Cooke. "You want them to enjoy them but to also pay attention to when they're hungry, when they're full, and to see their body as a source of information". http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/kids-and-body-image/

Look into your cupboards ladies.....are there candies and cookies and chips and crackers? Juice and soda and Ice cream too?? That's OK! It is!! Having more options for children makes them feel like they have the choice...and you can help them choose wisely. Taking certain foods away from them because you think they are fat- is wrong and only makes them want it more. Snacks are good! Everyone deserves a yummy cupcake! Why not? In my house- these foods are not "special" or "once in a while" foods. There are no Bad food VS Good foods. . Food is food...I am so glad someone else has said it. Its food for crying out loud. If you are the type of parent who harps on looks and weight..you are more likely to raise a child with poor body image. Avoid negative statements about food, weight, looks and shape. Avoid them all together...don't say to your husband- do I look fat? your little girl may overhear you. Just drop the negativity. You are what you are. Some were born with big frames, short and stout frames or tall and lean frames. It is what it is. For some- no amount of diet and exercise will change how they look. Its genetics. For those of you who think happiness is from looking your best....I feel sorry for you. Take it from someone who was "thin" in my younger years....... I strive to eat right, exercise, wear the right clothes etc....I decided not to listen to my family's words about weight/looks anymore. It only matters what you feel inside. I feel great. I am happy, have a husband who adores me, have a wonderful home, beautiful son and some great new friends....Feeding your own self esteem and feeling great emotionally and physically is what it really means to be beautiful. Totally believe that.

Some ways you can help: Have your home be a "no teasing home" and stick to it. Also, of your child is teased at school- do something about- it is unacceptable. Encourage your school to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing, and name-calling; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements. Lastly, change the way you think about yourself (if it is poorly) and realize that happiness in the root of all beauty!

I leave you with this- "Nobody can be perfect in anything-much less everything"- Paula Spencer



Side note: While not as common, boys are also at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders. Body image becomes an important issue for teenage boys as they struggle with body changes and pay more attention to media images of the "ideal" muscular male.

Thank goodness I am only having one!!! Landon- I love you the way you are & for the Man you will become...No matter the shape, size, color or anything else.