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After a year of isolation due to the pandemic, reuniting with my mother was a whirlwind of emotions. The joy of hugging her again and the nostalgia of cooking for her in my home was overwhelming. Watching her interact with my children brought tears to my eyes—it felt like a miracle after so much time apart.
While I anticipated feelings of gratitude and relief from finally seeing her again, I didn’t foresee the wave of diet culture and internalized fatphobia that would come with our reunion. My mom, in her 70s, has lived through decades where societal expectations dictated that women should either be thin or striving to be thin. Growing up, I watched her navigate various diets, including a phase where she sold Herbalife in the ‘80s.
Having distanced myself from these thoughts during the pandemic—focusing on survival rather than weight—I was suddenly confronted by her comments about food and weight. I had been immersed in body positivity and intuitive eating, so when I sat down to share a home-cooked meal with her, her remarks about calorie counts and weight gain caught me off guard.
During dinner, as she praised the meal, she simultaneously expressed concerns about overeating. The moment she pushed away a small cake my children had chosen for her, exclaiming, “Get this away from me! I’ll get fat!” was the tipping point. I know she meant no harm, but I refuse to allow that mindset in front of my kids.
In our household, we don’t label foods as “good” or “bad.” We encourage a healthy relationship with food, and I want my children to enjoy their meals without fear or guilt. I also dislike disparaging body comments, especially around my kids, who easily internalize such messages.
I confronted my mom about her remarks, asking her not to discuss body image or weight in front of my children. While she didn’t seem to fully grasp the impact of her words, she agreed to change the subject. However, during our next visit, she again made multiple comments about her weight and dieting, leaving me shocked at how frequently this was occurring.
Clearly, this is an issue that needs addressing. I’m aware that changing a 70-year-old’s mindset is no small feat, but I hope to guide her toward a healthier perspective on body image and food. It’s crucial that she understands her worth beyond societal standards, especially after the challenges we all faced this past year.
As a parent, my priority is my children’s mental health, and I won’t tolerate harmful narratives in our space. I hope these realizations can lead to growth for both my mother and me, fostering a more positive outlook on body image and food.
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Search Queries:
- How to handle family fatphobia
- Discussing body image with parents
- Creating a positive food environment for kids
- Dismantling diet culture in families
- Supporting loved ones in body acceptance
In summary, my reunion with my mother revealed her deeply ingrained fatphobia, highlighting the need for open conversations about body image and diet culture. As a parent, I am committed to protecting my children from such harmful narratives and fostering a more positive relationship with food and self-worth.
Keyphrase: Recognizing Family Fatphobia
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