Her daughter’s remark about her weight after a swim prompted a response that’s now earning applause across the internet.
Being labeled as “fat” is a painful insult. But why does it affect us so deeply?
After Allison, a mother of two, shared her story about what transpired during a recent swimming trip with her children, everyone was left curious about the actual events.
When Allison’s 30-year-old daughter called her obese, Allison responded exceptionally, and her reply has now gone viral online.
Allison Kimmey started dieting at the age of 14. Throughout her graduate studies, she managed to maintain her weight between sizes two and four, though it was tough and left her feeling unsatisfied. Three years ago, at 27, when she reached a size eight, Allison realized she would be much happier if she stopped battling her weight gain.
To motivate herself, Allison launched the @allisonkimmey Instagram account, where she shares photos and inspirational quotes. While her journey towards body acceptance resonates and inspires many of her followers, not everyone receives her important message.
Recently, Allison took her daughter and son to the pool. When it was time to leave, her child yelled at her, calling her fat. As detailed in Allison’s Instagram post:
Me: “What did you say about me?”
Her: “I said you were fat, mama. I’m sorry.”
Me: “Let’s discuss this. The reality is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It’s not an identity. However, I DO HAVE fat. We ALL have fat. It safeguards our muscles and bones and fuels our bodies with energy. Do you have fat?”
Her: “Yes! I have some here on my tummy.”
Me: “Exactly! So do I, and so does your brother!”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I just have muscles.”
Me: “Actually, everyone in the world has fat. We just have varying 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 carry more, and others carry less. But that doesn’t make anyone better than someone else. Do you both understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “Can you both repeat what I just said?”
Them: “Yes! I shouldn’t call someone fat because you can’t just be fat, but everyone HAS fat and it’s okay to have different amounts.”
Me: “Exactly right!”
Allison didn’t just aim to teach her children how to communicate respectfully with others; she also wanted to emphasize that everyone is equal regardless of their body shape. Her Instagram post has now gone viral.
“If I shame my children for saying it, then I am reinforcing that it is an offensive term and perpetuating the stigma that being fat is undesirable, unattractive, and unacceptable,” Allison writes.
What an inspiring woman! We should strive to support one another instead of judging each other based on outward appearances. Share if you agree!
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