{via pinterest}
Last week was “Fat Talk Free Week.” Today I wanted to continue the conversation because it’s so common for people to bash their bodies. And now it’s become common for kids and teens to do so, too…and at younger and younger ages.
Below, Elizabeth Easton, PsyD, clinical director of child and adolescent services at the Eating Recovery Center, discusses whether fat talk is a new phenomenon, its effect on kids, how parents can help and much more.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines. The comments below begin with the oldest comments first. Click on the last comments page to jump to the most recent comments.
Anna
11:01 am on
October 26th, 2011When I was in middle school my mother would say things to me every day. The most memorable of these was when she made me change my shirt because I looked like a “stuffed sausage.” Even now, a year after graduating high school, I say that to myself when I don’t like how I look. Maybe I should mention that I’ve always been a bigger individual, and it has had quite an impact on my life. I think maybe if my mother had been more compassionate I would’ve gotten a better self-esteem.
@ Anna, I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s mean remarks! Regardless of anyone’s shape, size or weight, mean remarks are always unacceptable. Everyone deserves to have a positive body image and to feel good about themselves; it has nothing to do with what you look like. I’ve learned that oftentimes, cruel comments have nothing to do with you but more to do with the person making them (such as their insecurities, concerns, etc.). It’s a shame that your mom couldn’t be more compassionate with you, but you can absolutely learn to be compassionate toward yourself. I know it’s tough, but you can cultivate self-compassion one step at a time. Remember that you deserve it!
Anon
2:37 pm on
October 26th, 2011my son frequently tells me “we can’t eat too many sweets mummy” which is kinda ok, but limiting food in any way in unnatural. I explain to him that he eats a very healthy balanced diet, never stops running around and can enjoy sweets when he wants (he only asks for them once a week or so!) I think there is a danger of all the obesity talk in politics filtering in to unhealthy thoughts by children. My son started fretting about his diet at age 5, along with most of the other kids I know here, because obesity is ‘being treated with information’ well kids should be kids, and force feeding them information that sweets and chocolate need to be limited to 1 piece a day is bizarre.
Its not only fat talk that will destroy our children’s self image, its ‘healthy’ talk too, when it gets out of hand. Food is just a means of sustenance, nothing more. Kids need to be told its ok to eat what they like as long as they get the right vitamins and enjoy playing games&sports to burn off the energy. Simple.
@ Anon, that’s a great point! I love how you called it “healthy talk.” I seriously couldn’t agree more with you. The hysteria over the obesity epidemic has had many extreme effects, and one of them is that kids, younger and younger, are starting to fear certain foods like sweets. I’m so glad to hear that you’re teaching your son that all foods are OK, vitamins are important and to engage in fun physical activities.
As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, I take pride in the fact that I literally never fat-talk (though I actually never did voice my weight concerns out loud). However, that doesn’t mean other people don’t, and I often feel pretty uncomfortable when others fat-talk, to the point where I wish I could just put my hands over their mouths!
@ Julia, that’s awesome that you’ve stopped the negative remarks! I know that’s hard to do. It’s definitely tough to hear when others bash their bodies. If I hear that I try to say something kind in return (like giving them a compliment) or to change the topic slowly.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines.
Post a Comment:
Copyright © 1992-2012 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 25 May 2012
|
