Our society is wrestling with a peculiar contradiction. Every day, news outlets bombard us with alarming reports about an obesity crisis in America. Schools are busy regulating everything from sugary drinks to lunch menus, yet we’re advised to tiptoe around the topic of weight to avoid instilling “body shame” in our daughters. The expectation seems to be that we can maintain a healthy weight without ever mentioning the word “weight.”
Honestly, that’s just absurd. It’s yet another instance of political correctness complicating what should be a straightforward conversation. I tried discussing the importance of healthy eating with my daughter, Emily. Her response was a classic example of kid logic: “Will it make me die?” For her, weighing the benefits of a second brownie against the possibility of long-term health issues is a non-starter. At nine years old, she can’t fathom caring about something that might affect her in 45 years. But when I skip the euphemisms and tell her that too many brownies could lead to being overweight, she puts it down immediately. Conversation closed.
I certainly don’t want Emily to feel like she must look like some idealized version of beauty to have value. However, we’re sending our children mixed signals, and it’s doing them a disservice. No matter how often we tell our girls that weight doesn’t matter, the reality is that it does. Trust me, I’ve battled my own weight fluctuations throughout my life, with sizes ranging from 2 to 14. And I can say with certainty that being at a healthy weight is generally more enjoyable. Being overweight can suck the joy out of those formative high school and college years. Let’s be real: we don’t live in a fantasy world where no one notices an extra 20 pounds. Plus, being overweight can even impact job opportunities. And we can’t overlook the serious health risks associated with being overweight.
So, why are we misleading our daughters by claiming their body size and shape are inconsequential? I’ve chosen a balanced approach with Emily. I tell her that, while socially it shouldn’t matter, it often does. I explain that growing up overweight can be a struggle. Imagine searching through your closet for something that fits without accentuating your insecurities—it’s disheartening. Or being the one who has to take the elevator while friends sprint up the stairs. Although being overweight doesn’t define her worth, it can certainly affect how much she enjoys her youth.
I want to shield her from the discomfort of growing up overweight, and if that means using the “F” word—fat—then so be it.
If you’re also navigating the complexities of parenting and body image, you might find helpful insights in our other article about pregnancy and home insemination here. Additionally, for those exploring their fertility journey, Make a Mom offers a wealth of authority on this topic, and for more information on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from the World Health Organization.
Summary
In this article, Jamie Parker discusses the importance of addressing body image with her daughter, Emily. She argues against the idea that weight should be a taboo topic, pointing out the real-life implications of being overweight. By choosing to have honest conversations about body image, Jamie aims to protect her daughter from the negative experiences associated with being overweight, while still emphasizing her intrinsic worth.