by FORMOMMY » March 16th, 2006, 10:28 am
Jen,
I know what you mean. My husband and I adopted 2 little girls from China that are 5 and 7 now and I am so concerned about them having the proper outlook on health versus weight. My husband says that I am being overly sensitive because I've always had weight issues and self-esteem issues; but I don't think I am. Yes, I will be sensitive to it but I don't think I am wrong to watch and be careful.
I feel the same way that you do. I have always tried to steer clear of certian words - fat, big, heavy, ugly, etc. Just recently my 7 year old has realized that I am not "like the other Mommies" in my size. All her classmates have thin Moms. She hasn't said anything but I've caught her looking at me up and down and then she notices I've seen her and she will run to me and hug me and say "I love you just the way you are!". Out of the blue! She's done a few variations of this recently which has made me concerned.
She is your typical slender Chinese girl except she has recently "pudged" a bit in her tummy and is growing by leaps and bounds. My husband will grab at her tummy and make "cute" comments and I stop him. Again, he doesn't get it. So we had a long talk and I think he understands what the issues can be for young girls and has agreed to tone that down and stress the word "healthy" instead of - too much of this will make you fat!
I have a wonderful, loving husband who is the best father in the world -but in this area, he doesn't know what he is talking about and is leaving it to the expert - HA!
Michelle
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil 4:13
Started 1/23/06
Recommitted 1/02/07