After her daughter made a comment about her weight following a swim, her powerful response is winning praise online.
Being labeled as “fat” is a deeply hurtful insult. But why does this happen?
After Allison, a mother of two, shared her experience of what transpired during a recent swimming trip with her children, everyone was left curious about the actual events.
When Allison, a 30-year-old, was called obese by her daughter, she responded brilliantly, 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, but it was a constant struggle, and she wasn’t satisfied. Three years ago, at 27, when Allison reached a size eight, she realized she would be much happier if she stopped battling her weight gain.
Allison launched the @allisonkimmey Instagram account as a source of self-motivation, where she shares photos and quotes. While her acceptance of her body uplifts and inspires her followers, not everyone grasps her important message.
Recently, Allison took her daughter and son to the pool. When it was time to leave, her child yelled at her and called her fat. According to 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 truth is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It’s not something you can BE. But I do HAVE fat. We ALL have fat. It protects our muscles and bones and provides our bodies with energy. Do you have fat?”
Her: “Yes! I have some here on my tummy.”
Me: “That’s right! So do I and your brother!”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I just have muscles.”
Me: “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different 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 have a lot, and others don’t have very much. But that doesn’t mean that one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “So can you repeat what I said?”
Them: “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t be just fat, but everyone HAS fat and it’s okay to have different amounts of fat.”
Me: “Exactly right!”
Allison not only aimed to teach her children how to communicate respectfully with others but also believed it was essential to convey that everyone is equal regardless of body shape. Now, her Instagram post has gone viral.
“If I shame my children for saying it, then I am proving that it is an insulting word and continuing the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical, and undesirable,” writes Allison.
What an inspiring woman! We need to do a better job of supporting each other instead of judging based on outward appearances. Share if you agree!
