Calling someone “fat” can be a hurtful insult. But why is that?
This question came up when a mother named Allison shared her story about a recent swimming trip with her children. When her daughter called her fat, 30-year-old Allison had a clever response, and her message is now spreading quickly online.
Allison Kimmey began dieting when she was just 14 years old. She managed to stay at a size two to four through graduate school, but it was tough, and she wasn’t happy. Three years ago, at age 27, Allison reached a size eight and realized she would be much happier if she stopped fighting against her weight gain.
To motivate herself, Allison started an Instagram account, @allisonkimmey, where she shares pictures and inspirational messages. Her body positivity spreads joy and encourages her followers, but her important message doesn’t always reach everyone.
**Me:** “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts.”
**Her brother:** “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.”
**Me:** “Yes, that’s true. Some people have a lot, and others don’t have much. But that doesn’t mean one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
**Both:** “Yes, mama.”
**Me:** “So can you repeat what I said?”
**Them:** “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t just be fat, but everyone HAS fat, and it’s okay to have different fat.”
**Me:** “Exactly right!”
Not only did Allison want to teach her children how to talk to others, but she also felt it was important to spread the message that everyone is equal, no matter their body shape. Now, her post on Instagram has gone viral.
“If I shame my children for saying it, then I’m proving that it’s an insulting word and continuing the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical, and undesirable,” writes Allison.
I Presented the Man I’m Dating to My 5-Year-Old Daughter, She Screamed the First Time She Saw Him
Jessica looked forward to introducing her daughter, Emma, to her boyfriend, Alex. However, when Emma met Alex for the first time, she screamed in terror, believing her father’s warnings that Alex was a threat.
The memory of Emma’s terrified screams echoed in Jessica’s mind. She had planned this day for weeks, wanting it to be perfect. Jessica and Alex had met at a charity event, where his charm and kindness quickly drew her in. Their relationship grew stronger over the year, and Jessica knew it was time for Alex to meet her daughter, the most important person in her life.
However, the aftermath of her rough divorce from Tom, Emma’s father, weighed heavily on Jessica. Tom had been in charge of babysitting while she was out with Alex and had met him several times without issues, or so she thought.
Jessica made Emma’s favorite brunch, pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, and even dressed up for the occasion. Alex arrived with a gift and a warm smile, excited to meet Emma. But as soon as Emma saw Alex, she froze, her face draining of color.
She screamed for Jessica, convinced that Alex would take her away forever. Jessica was stunned, and Alex looked equally confused. Jessica knelt down to Emma’s level, trying to reassure her. Emma insisted that her father had warned her about Alex, showing her pictures and telling her to run if she ever saw him. Anger surged within Jessica; how could Tom do this? Alex knelt beside them, promising Emma that he only wanted to be her friend, but she remained scared and clung to Jessica tightly.
Jessica carried Emma to the living room and sat with her in her lap while Alex kept his distance to avoid frightening her further. She gently asked Emma what Tom had told her. Emma recounted how her father had scared her about Alex being a bad man who would take them away.
Jessica felt a mix of sadness and anger, knowing Tom was wrong. She tried to reassure Emma that Alex was kind and caring, but Emma’s fears lingered. After settling Emma in her room, Jessica called Tom, feeling both angry and hurt.
When Tom answered, he feigned ignorance about the situation. After Jessica confronted him about scaring Emma, Tom admitted he did it because he didn’t trust Alex. Jessica was shocked. She told him he had lost his babysitting privileges until he could behave appropriately.
Tom grew defensive, arguing that he was protecting Emma. Jessica insisted that he was projecting his insecurities onto their daughter and manipulating her. They argued, but eventually, Tom agreed to try to work together for Emma’s sake.
Jessica felt a mix of relief and frustration, knowing that this was just the beginning of a challenging process. After hanging up, she returned to the living room, where Alex awaited her with concern. Jessica explained the situation, feeling hopeful about taking things one step at a time.
With Alex’s support, she knew they could overcome the challenges ahead and help Emma feel safe. Although the road ahead was uncertain, they were ready to face it together, united for Emma’s sake.
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