In a world where the term “fat” is often wielded as a weapon, one mother is determined to reshape the narrative. During a playful afternoon at the pool, Jessica Hartley faced an unexpected moment when her four-year-old daughter, Lily, called her “fat.” Instead of reacting negatively, Hartley seized the opportunity to have an important discussion about body positivity and the meaning of the word.
Hartley recounts the moment on her Instagram, which has garnered over 30,000 likes, indicating that her message resonates with many. “Lily said, ‘Mama is fat’ after I told them it was time to get out of the pool,” she shared. This prompted Hartley to initiate a serious conversation with both Lily and her six-year-old son, Jake.
Initially, Lily offered an apology, but Hartley wanted to delve deeper. “Let’s talk about it,” she encouraged. “The reality is, I’m not fat. No one is fat. It’s not an identity; it’s a characteristic. But yes, I do have fat. We all have fat. It helps protect our muscles and bones and gives us energy. Do you have fat?”
Lily quickly acknowledged her own tummy fat, while Jake confidently claimed that he was “the skinniest” and only had muscles. Hartley was quick to clarify, “Actually, everyone has fat. Some people just have more than others.” This revelation resonated with Jake, who replied, “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.” Hartley affirmed, “Exactly! Just because someone has more fat doesn’t make them any less valuable than anyone else. Do you understand?” They both agreed, repeating the lesson, “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 amounts.”
After this enlightening discussion, the kids were eager to return to their pool games. Hartley later explained her approach, stating, “In our home, the word fat isn’t a bad word. If I punish my children for using it, I’m implying that it’s an insult. This perpetuates the stigma that being fat is undesirable.” She adds, “We can’t control what our kids pick up from friends, media, or society, but we can influence how we respond and advocate for body positivity.”
Hartley aims to be a consistent, positive voice in her children’s lives, encouraging them to embrace body diversity rather than stigmatize it. “We don’t have to follow outdated norms if they don’t serve us well. I refuse to allow the word ‘fat’ to carry negative connotations in our home,” she insists.
This mom is setting a powerful example, not just for her children, but also for other parents who may struggle with similar situations. If you’re interested in more parenting insights, you can explore resources like this home insemination kit or check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Jessica Hartley’s approach teaches us that the way we discuss body image can have a lasting impact on our children’s perceptions. Instead of shaming the word “fat,” she encourages understanding and acceptance, creating a healthier dialogue around body positivity.