In today’s world, we face a curious contradiction. Our headlines scream about the obesity crisis in America while health regulations on sugary drinks and school lunches abound. Yet, we’re cautioned against addressing the topic of weight with our daughters for fear of instilling “body shame.” The expectation seems to be that we should guide them towards a healthy weight without even uttering the word “weight”—and frankly, that’s absurd. It’s another instance of political correctness complicating what should be straightforward.
When I tried to explain to my daughter, Lily, that it’s essential to choose foods that promote health, her response was a classic display of a 9-year-old’s reasoning: “Will it make me die?” In her mind, she’s weighing (pun intended) the immediate pleasure of a second brownie against a far-off consequence that she feels won’t affect her for decades. But when I get real and tell her that too many brownies might lead to being overweight, the conversation takes a turn—she puts the brownie down, and that’s that.
My goal isn’t for Lily to think she needs to resemble a doll to be valued. However, we’re sending our kids some seriously mixed signals that ultimately do them a disservice. Regardless of how often we preach that weight doesn’t matter, the reality is that it does. I’ve battled my own weight fluctuations throughout my life, with sizes ranging from 2 to 14. I can assure you that being slender is generally more enjoyable. Being overweight can strip away much of the fun during those formative high school and college years. Let’s be honest—this isn’t a fantasy world where no one notices an extra 20 pounds. Weight can also impact job opportunities.
So why are we misleading our daughters by insisting that their size and shape are irrelevant? I’ve found a balanced approach with Lily. I tell her that while society shouldn’t place importance on weight, it sadly does. I explain the difficulties of growing up overweight—like facing the frustration of trying to find clothes that fit or feeling embarrassed when your friends are running up the stairs while you’re taking the elevator. While being overweight doesn’t diminish her worth, it can certainly affect her enjoyment of childhood and adolescence.
I aim to shield her from the struggles of growing up overweight, and if that means I have to say the word “fat,” then I will. It’s essential to communicate openly about these issues, and if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this informative blog post, which provides valuable insights into the process. For couples navigating their fertility journey, this resource is incredibly helpful. Additionally, for those interested in pregnancy, Women’s Health offers excellent information that can help.
In summary, while addressing weight with our daughters may feel uncomfortable, it’s crucial to engage in honest conversations about health and body image. Acknowledging the realities of weight can empower them to make informed choices.
Keyphrase: Why I Use The F Word With My Daughter
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